Black City Lights

Black City Lights

Black City Lights are a Wellington electronic pop group active since 2011. The project centres on producer Calum Robb and vocalist Julia Catherine Parr, and is based around dark, spacious songs that combine electronic textures, pop structure and cinematic atmosphere. Their sound is associated with chillwave, ambient and electropop, with references in their style to artists such as Austra, Zola Jesus, M83 and The xx.

Releases and label work

The group releases through a pop-oriented electronic framework and issues music under Brooklyn label Stars & Letters Records. Their debut EP, Parallels, appears in March 2012, followed by their debut album Another Life in 2013.

Live activity and recognition

Black City Lights build their live set through support slots with Grimes, Baths, Daedelus and Van She. They also receive international attention early in their career, alongside blog coverage and support work that helps establish their profile beyond New Zealand. The group receives two New Zealand On Air grants to fund videos, including one for “Parallels,” which is produced by the We Are The Masses team, known for work with Passion Pit, Bon Iver and Beach House.

Touring and festival appearances

After touring the United States in support of Another Life, Black City Lights continue with activity in New Zealand and the UK. They also appear in Red Bull’s Sound Select series in New Zealand and are scheduled to showcase at the Great Escape Festival.