Songs from the Shaky Isles: A Short History of Popular Music in New Zealand | Gareth Shute

Songs from the Shaky Isles provides a vivid account of how popular music arose in our far-flung island nation. From early songs that could only be heard in person through to modern hits which spread digitally to all ends of the earth.

It's a fast-paced, big picture account that shows how wider society influenced, and was itself impacted by, the country's musical culture. There's also plenty of room for outrageous anecdotes and insightful analysis. It's a treat for music fans and history buffs alike.

Contents:  1. Music in the air and on the page 2. Yodelling, swing and steel guitars 3. Get a haircut 4. Head music 5. Pub rock rebels 6. Independent spirits 7. Making a living 8. From Australia to the world beyond 9. Beats and grooves 10. The commercial breakthrough 11. The great indie crossover 12. Hip hop's golden years 13. New internationalists 14. Reggae and roots revolution 15. The streaming era

'Gareth Shute packs a wealth of facts and stories into this swift-moving and timely account of Aotearoa's popular music history, from the earliest sheet music to the latest digital streams. Anyone reading this book will come away with a new appreciation of how deeply music is woven into this country's culture.' - Nick Bollinger, author of Jumping Sundays: The Rise and Fall of the Counterculture in Aotearoa New Zealand

Gareth Shute is the author of five books, including the award-winning Hip Hop Music in Aotearoa. He is also a musician who has toured internationally and helps run the record label Lil' Chief Records. His current band is Thee Golden Geese.