Maiden Name: Live at Great Sounds Great

Words by: Jia Sharma (she/her)

Last weekend, Great Sounds Great took over venues up and down Cuba Street. This was a night packed with some of the best acts Wellington has to offer. When I saw the lineup for the festival, there was one band I knew I had to see: Maiden Name. Since forming last year, the band has garnered a strong following in Wellington, known for their ‘post-gender ethereal rock’ sound. Before hearing them play, I didn’t quite understand their self description but halfway through their first song, it suddenly made complete sense. 

Picture me, fresh off a horrendous Jetstar flight from Auckland, rushing straight from the airport to the familiar comfort of a Wellington gig. I could hear the band playing from across the road and I already knew I loved it when I walked in during the first song. The vocals were especially impressive — a mix of raw emotion and technical skill that grabbed everyone’s attention. The sound was truly unique, almost otherworldly. The bass solo in their second song was a highlight, and their ability to incorporate screaming without losing their musicality was remarkable. Maiden Name stayed true to their description, blending rock with an ethereal energy that filled the room. Their set went by too quickly, and I left Valhalla wanting more.

Since playing their first proper gig opening for Milktooth last year, Maiden Name has been warmly welcomed into the Wellington music scene. They’ve got big plans for the rest of this year, including their first digital releases. 

Maiden Name has their first single, ‘Sin’, coming out later this month. The lucky crowd of Valhalla got to hear it and I’m sure would agree with me that it should be highly anticipated. This single will be followed by a five song EP that will be released in October. A stop-motion music video is also added to the list of exciting releases by the band this year. 

The EP was recorded over a short period of just two days last year. While recording the band played the songs in full, with the intention to record them the same way they were written. The EP will feel organic and authentic to their live sound. I’m eager to hear how this translates to a digital format, hoping it keeps the same raw energy I experienced live. Their live show exceeded my expectations, and I’m confident the EP will, too.

The release show will take place in Valhalla on Halloween. So be ready to grab your tickets to celebrate what is sure to be an amazing EP.