Six60

Six60 is a New Zealand band from Dunedin, formed in 2008. The group consists of Matiu Walters on lead vocals and guitar, Ji Fraser on lead guitar, Chris Mac on bass guitar, Marlon Gerbes on synthesiser, and Eli Paewai on drums. Hoani Matenga is also listed in the band’s early line-up as a bass guitarist.

Formation and name

The members meet through a shared interest in New Zealand music and in making their own songs. They first come together after meeting at a Kora concert in 2006. Three of them live together as Otago University students, and they spend much of their time in a room used as a recording space at 660 Castle Street. The band takes its name from that address.

Early releases and debut album

Six60 release a debut EP in 2008. It includes “Someone to Be Around”, a song that does not appear on their first album but remains one of their best-known tracks. Their self-titled debut album follows in 2011 and is issued on their own label, Massive Entertainment. The album is produced and mixed by Tiki Taane, reaches number one in New Zealand, and is certified gold within its first week. The band’s first two singles, “Rise Up 2.0” and “Don’t Forget Your Roots”, both perform strongly on the New Zealand singles chart, reaching number one and number two respectively, and are certified double and triple platinum.

Recognition and major concerts

In 2018, Six60 win five Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards and are the most streamed artist by New Zealanders on Spotify. In 2019, they become the first New Zealand band to play a sold-out concert at Western Springs Stadium, performing to 50,000 people. In 2021, they play the first concert at Auckland’s Eden Park Stadium, also to 50,000 people, as the closing show of the Six60 Saturdays country-wide tour.

Style

Six60 are described as a pop-rock band, and their listed genres also include alternative rock, electronica, indietronica, R&B, rock and soul.