In Auckland: BIG FAN 4th Birthday

Also join us at Big Fan earlier in the day, with a Record Fair, Gear Repair, Workshops and Open Day, and the chance to check out Big Fan’s three studios and live venue. Come down for the day and stick around for the show!

Sam cullen & his band

There’s a unique notion of pride that comes with being born and bred in a smalltown at the bottom of New Zealand (aka the end of the world). Equally, the drive to get the hell out at all costs has been there since Sam Cullen picked up a guitar. Rounding off a massive 2025, Sam released his self-titled debut album - 10 tracks infused with the rising star’s unique and refreshing style of rock‘n’roll-meets-pop. The album is a reflection on coming to terms with adulthood, inspired by stories from home and experiences coming of age in Aotearoa. The lead single ‘That Somebody’s You’ spent 5 weeks on the Hot NZ 20 Singles Chart and boasts a picturesque video shot on the SH1 Desert Rd by Tom Grut.

The summer of 25/26 was Sam's biggest yet as he took his 4-piece band on their sold out summer tour hallmarked by a two night stint at Rhythm & Vines. 2026 sees this release of his follow up single ‘Oh So Lonely’, kicking off his next era of releases. Over the past 5 years, Sam has steadily climbed the ladder of success; playing on some of Aotearoa’s biggest stages, selling out headline shows and playing support slots around the country for the likes of Keli Holiday and Cassie Henderson.

SARVI

Sarvi is a singer-songwriter from Iran, born and raised in Aotearoa. She creates a wave of sound that draws on hip-hop, jazz and R&B influences, with music that sits somewhere between those worlds: honest and unmistakably her own. In 2025, Sarvi won First Cut, an initiative from Big Fan, Holiday Records and Downbeat Mastering, which saw her single ‘Hold On’ pressed to 7” vinyl and performing a headline show at Big Fan. Following the release of her latest single ‘Snake Charmer’, Sarvi has a new EP in the works.

STAR

Star is an emerging indie artist from Raglan, New Zealand. Raised on a farm and surrounded by music from a young age, she picked up her first guitar at just nine years old. Blending indie, indie pop, and bedroom pop influences with touches of soul and rock, Star is developing a sound that feels both fresh and authentic.

Her debut single When You’re Around was written in her very first studio session alongside Muroki and Reiki Ruawai, marking a defining moment in her journey as an artist. Following its release, When You’re Around reached the Top 10 NZ Airplay chart, remaining there for 10 consecutive weeks. Star has also been building her live experience, supporting Borderline across three New Zealand shows before joining the band on tour in the UK in August 2026. Her second single, Blurry Eyes, is set for release on 30 October 2026.

Johnny naisbitt