DARTZ (New Zealand band)
DARTZ | |
|---|---|
 DARTZ performing in Wellington, 2021 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Wellington, New Zealand |
| Genres | punk, garage rock, pub rock |
| Years active | 2019 - present |
| Labels | Flying Nun Records |
| Members | Daniel Vernon (Danz) Clark Mathews Hakopa Kuka-Larsen (Rollyz) Christan Pianta (Crispy) |
| Website | https://smokedartz.com/ |
DARTZ (stylised in all caps) is a post-pub rock band from Wellington, New Zealand, formed in 2019. Known for their songs about New Zealand culture and politics, the band is composed of vocalist Daniel Vernon, guitarist Christan Pianta, bassist Clark Mathews, and drummer Hakopa Kuka-Larsen. Their 2024 album "Dangerous Day To Be A Cold One" reached #1 on the Official NZ Album Charts[1] and was nominated for the 2025 Taite Music Prize.[2]
History
[edit]The band was formed in early 2019 when friends Daniel Vernon and Christian Pianta, who had recently moved to Wellington, submitted the fictional band name "DARTZ" as a joke application to open for Australian punk band The Chats.[3] When DARTZ were unexpectedly confirmed as the Wellington support act, Vernon and Pianta recruited Clark Mathews and Hakopa Kuka-Larsen to complete the lineup. With two weeks to prepare, the group quickly wrote a set of original material, and after a positive reception they made the decision to continue performing.[4]
DARTZ released their debut single "40 Riddiford Street" later in 2019,[5] followed by a string of independently distributed tracks and consistent touring around New Zealand.[3] In 2021, the band received national recognition when their song "Bathsalts" was nominated for the APRA Silver Scroll award.[6]
In 2022, DARTZ signed to Flying Nun Records and released their debut album "The Band From Wellington, New Zealand", which included songs written for their initial performance.[7] The album received a positive reception for its blend of punk energy and local storytelling, and was supported by touring across New Zealand and Australia.[7] The band followed up in 2024 with their second album "Dangerous Day To Be A Cold One", which debuted at number one in the official New Zealand Album Charts and remained number one across multiple non-consecutive weeks.[1][8] The record was praised by Rolling Stone Australia for its "great wit, honest storytelling, and effortless ensemble work,"[9] and was a finalist for the 2025 Taite Music Prize.[2] In the same year, DARTZ won Best Rock Artist and Best Music Video Content at the annual Aotearoa Music Awards.[10]
Band members
[edit]- Daniel Vernon - vocals (2019–present)
- Clark Mathews - bass guitar (2019–present)
- Hakopa Kuka-Larsen - drums (2019–present)
- Christan Pianta - guitars (2019–present)
Discography
[edit]DARTZ have released two extended plays and two studio albums.
Extended plays
[edit]| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| No Matter Whatz[11] |
|
| Quit Before It Is Too Late[12] |
|
Albums
[edit]| Title | Details | Peak NZ chart position[8] |
|---|---|---|
| The Band From Wellington, New Zealand | 4 | |
| Dangerous Day To Be A Cold One |
|
1 |
References
[edit]- ^ a b "New Zealand Music Charts". Archived from the original on 2024-04-20. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
- ^ a b "Finalists announced for Taite Music Prize". www.stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 2025-03-03.
- ^ a b "DARTZ, "THE BEST BAND EVER IN THE HISTORY OF AOTEAROA": A SILVER SCROLL, A DUMPLING HOUSE AND STAYING LOYAL". Flying Nun. 8 April 2022.
- ^ "Artist Profile: DARTZ". Massive Magazine. Retrieved 2025-06-24.
- ^ "Wellington's Dartz Drop DIY Video '40 Riddiford Street'". UnderTheRadarNZ. Retrieved 2025-06-24.
- ^ "2021 APRA Silver Scroll Awards Top 20 and Maioha finalists announced". RNZ. 2021-07-14. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
- ^ a b "Dartz: 'The Band from Wellington, New Zealand'". RNZ. 2022-11-17. Retrieved 2025-06-24.
- ^ a b "New Zealand Music Charts". Archived from the original on February 23, 2007. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- ^ Lochrie, Conor. "It's a Dangerous Day to Be a Punk Rock Fan Thanks to DARTZ". Rolling Stone Australia. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- ^ Woods, Neck of the; Auckland. "Aotearoa Music Awards 2025 Winners Announced". UnderTheRadarNZ. Retrieved 2025-06-01.
- ^ "Wellington's Dartz Unleash Debut Collection 'No Matter Whatz'". UnderTheRadarNZ. Retrieved 2025-06-24.
- ^ Backroom, Whammy; Auckland. "DARTZ Drop 'Quit Before It Is Too Late' EP + Video". UnderTheRadarNZ. Retrieved 2025-06-24.