Auckland Bands - The Complete Guide

by Raashka Mannie | 05 Jul 2022

Planning entertainment for your function is a vital aspect that can sometimes be left to the last minute. The music for your event sets the tone from the moment your guests enter the venue. Whether you’re looking for a smooth, understated group to lend a mellow sound or a band that gets the dance floor jiving, these Auckland bands are your go-to options. This is the complete guide to the best artists for your next event, featured on Aucklands Bands.

Bang Bang

Image by Find A Band

Featuring the homegrown talent of Mandy Meadows, Bang Bang perform songs by artists such as Amy Winehouse, Fleetwood Mac, Queen, Prince and more.

This 5-piece Auckland band was initially based in London, before relocating to Auckland in December 2020.

They specialise in corporate and personal events, including weddings, parties and soirées. With a flexible and distinct style, they dip into all genres and artists, from Classic Hits to the Top 40s. Bang Bang will take your requests, fill your dance floor and make the night one you’ll never forget.

Their background includes extensive travelling and experience, touring as far as India and all across Europe. The original Kiwi, Mandy Meadows, has performed across the globe alongside Rod Stewart, Cliff Richard and Tom Jones. Bang Bang's client list includes Moet & Chandon, WeWork and the Royal Air Force, and residencies at Savoy and Dorchester Hotels, Fairmont Hotels, Disney Cruises and Crystal Cruises.

 

Neon City


Image by Find A Band

Neon City will light up the night with a tight, funky and groovy set, with a song list including artists such as Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce and more.

This Auckland band provides a high-energy mix of pop, dance, classics, top 40 and funk that will connect with any audience. They specialise in crafting medleys of popular songs, resulting in a seamless party experience on the dance floor. They aim to keep the dance floor packed and the excitement going. 

Before arriving in New Zealand in 2011, vocalist Lee Gray performed throughout the French Riviera, providing entertainment for A-List celebrities such as Elton John, Leonardo DiCaprio and the Prince of Monaco. He has cultivated a reputation for being an incredible performer.

Neon City’s client list includes Kiwi Property, Fisher & Paykel, Bayleys and Placemakers.

 

Blue Steel


Image by Find A Band

Turn up the classics with Blue Steel, an Auckland band that loves to jam the way you do with Fleetwood Mac, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones and more.

They’re all about the old-school hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s, guaranteeing a rocking dance floor filled to the brim all night long. Carefully selecting their song list from their extensive expertise, you can be sure this Auckland band knows how to make your event sing.

Blue Steel has performed over 500 gigs together since forming in 2007. The band comprises some of Auckland's most experienced musicians, all with albums and radio hits to their names.  

Veterans of the corporate event scene, their client list includes many of New Zealand’s biggest brands, including Coca-Cola, Harcourts, Vodafone and Volkswagen. The Auckland band performs regularly at venues including Cordis, Skycity, The Pullman, Kauri Bay Boomrock, Mudbrick, The Wharf and many more.

 

Arcade Avenue


Image by Find A Band

Adaptable as they are artistic, Arcade Avenue believes in something for everyone, featuring songs from artists such as Earth Wind and Fire, Lionel Richie, Maroon 5, Prince and more.

Boasting a colourful mix of musicians, this Auckland band packs a resounding punch when it comes to lighting up the dance floor. They know just how to meld the old with the new, blending hits such as Blinding Lights, Cooler than Me and Treasure with Prince’s Kiss and Stevie Wonder’s Superstition, resulting in a unique but vibrant sound.

Taylor Roche, a leading vocalist, has spent the past two years fronting a 9-piece party band out of Miami, New Orleans, Mexico and the Bahamas for the world's largest cruise line. He also writes and co-produces original material, with his releases playlisted on Australian and US radio stations and featuring in online publications across NZ, Australia, UK, USA and Sweden. Their drummer, Simon, has spent the last ten years in Japan, performing with artists such as Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Carly Rae Jepson.

With Arcade Avenue, you can be sure you’re experiencing only the best at your event.

 

Neo Trio


Image by Find A Band

All the best of the charts across the ages at your function, thanks to Neo Trio, with songs from James Brown, The Beatles, Harry Styles and more.

An Auckland band compromised of three of Auckland’s best live musicians, Neo Trio is all about getting down and grooving. They intertwine classic hits with poppy sensations for something remarkable at any function. A trio of vocal harmonies and high-quality sound results in performances that are out of this world.

Ideal for corporate events and weddings alike, Neo Trio can perform anything from light dinner music to late-night parties. For larger events, we recommend checking out their full band, Neon City, which includes additional lead guitar and keyboards.

This Auckland band has been together since 2016. Drummer and bassist Chris and Junior are some of Auckland’s top session players, working with the likes of Sola Rosa and Nathan Haines; Neo Trio Singer Lee has performed extensively for organisations like FIFA and the Lions Tour, as well as co-writing songs with international recording artists.

Their client list runs the gamut, including Air New Zealand, All Blacks Hospitality, ANZ, BMW, GJ Gardner, Les Mills, Mastercard, Vodafone and Westpac.

 

Soul 9 Yards


Image by Find A Band

Putting their heart and soul into their work, Soul 9 Yards performs rich cuts by Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Amy Winehouse.

This Auckland band has been bringing you an extraordinary mix of Soul, Motown, 90s Hip hop and R’n’B since 2007. They focus on the deep, soulful sound that commands rooms and is capable of turning your function into something spectacular.

Allana Goldsmith, the main vocalist, is known for her honey-dipped vocals and incredible range, highlighting the heart of music by Estelle, Jackson 5, Prince, Alicia Keys and more. Her voice is backed by some of the best instrumentals you can find in Auckland.  

Soul 9 Yards offers a flexible range of lineups to suit your function’s needs, from a gentle duo (vocals and guitar) to a rounder 5-piece (vocals, guitar, bass, drums and keys). You can find them at weddings, cocktail nights, gala dinners and much more.

Kid Radio


Image by Find A Band

Kid Radio lets you get your groove on with artists such as Prince, Kanye West, Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake, Michael Jackson and more.

Setting themselves apart from the crowd, Kid Radio loves venturing off the beaten track with their song list. They love to explore artists other bands don’t think of, mixing them with a kick for a unique, explosive repertoire.

This Auckland band effortlessly mashes up the biggest, baddest hits of pop, hip hop and R’n’B. Featuring dual frontmen, Sam Allen and Mal Lakatani, on guitars, legendary rhythm section Stephen Thomas and Isaac Etimani on drums and bass, and the masterful keyboards and arrangements of Michal Martyniuk, the band has changed the game, setting a new standard for live entertainment in New Zealand.

At home on the corporate event stage, Kid Radio has a wide range of regular clients. Credit to their killer song list and energetic performances, they have quickly established themselves as one of Auckland's best cover bands for events such as gala dinners, awards nights, conferences and more.

 

Jumpsuit


Image by Find A Band

You can’t stop the beat, thanks to Jumpsuit, covering artists such as Jackson Five, Neil Diamond, Pearl Jam, Tiki Taane and more. 

They love winning the crowd over with fun-filled, energetic songs, performing their hearts out at weddings, conferences, gala nights and more. This Auckland band knows what songs to play to hit the right note, delivering tons of fun, songs you know and beats that won't stop.

Jumpsuit loves working with their clients, collaborating on song lists to ensure you get exactly what you’re after regarding your function’s entertainment. They specialise in reading the tone of the room, able to shift gears from light background music right up to rock and pop anthems.

As a result of their enormous song list and flexible attitudes, Jumpsuit is the perfect option for any function. Each night is different with them, tailored to their audience, whether you’re after a specific theme or a little bit of everything.

 

Big Ticket


Image by Find A Band

Mixing modern hits with a touch of old-school charm, Big Ticket is your ticket to an event unlike any other, featuring artists such as Beyonce, Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi and more.

It’s all about the boogey with Big Ticket, an Auckland band that adores putting a vintage spin on their song list. In their record player, you’ll find everything from Will Smith and Fountains of Wayne to Katy Perry and Ray Charles.

Unusual and exciting, the Auckland band also loves playing the part looks-wise: you’ll find them dressed to the nines, looking like they’ve just stepped out of the 1920s and adding a touch of Great Gatsby magic to any event.

Keeping to the theme of flexibility, Big Ticket is available as a 6-, 8- or 10-piece band. Their options for you are endless, including male and female vocals, saxophone, trumpet and double bass. You can mix and match the sound that’s right for you, resulting in entertainment that is sure to knock your socks off.