Navigation for Station navigation
It's one of the great rock 'n' roll stories, full of big personalities, high ideals, opportunities both seized and lost, and a soundtrack to die for because, in the end, (as in the beginning) Flying Nun is all about the music.
It was 1981, in Christchurch, New Zealand when record shop manager and music fan Roger Shepherd decided that someone should be recording the bands he loved to watch each weekend.
Armed with this idea and a mere $50, Flying Nun Records went on to document one of the most diverse and interesting bodies of music in New Zealand - and, some would say, the world.
RNZ's series Flying Nun Records covers the label's evolution from an independent co-operative of musicians and supporters working for free to get the music out there, charts diverging ambitions as some bands find audiences overseas, and the company and artists deal with the dichotomy of creating music and doing business in New Zealand and beyond.
-
Get to know Flying Nun Records' newest signings
25 Aug 2021To continue our Flying Nun 40th anniversary celebrations, we take a look at the iconic labels latest signings. Read more Video
Coming up
-
The Mixtape: Roger Shepherd
21 Aug 2021Our guest on The Mixtape this week is Flying Nun Records founder Roger Shepherd. A music fan who decided that someone should be recording the bands he loved to watch each weekend - Roger decided to… Read more Video, Audio
-
Musical Chairs: Ben Howe - The Flying Nun Years
21 Aug 2021In this episode of Musical Chairs, Ben Howe explains how he came to run New Zealand’s most beloved and internationally known record labels. And how his association with Flying Nun harks back to the… Read more Video, Audio
-
Part 5 - Under the Influence
Pop music and its industry have changed almost beyond recognition, but as Flying Nun celebrates its 21st, international success again beckons. Read more Audio
-
Part 4 - The Sound is Out There
Flying Nun bands tour and record in the Northern hemisphere. Founder Roger Shepherd moves to London. High hopes for a Flying Nun hit. Read more Audio
-
Part 3 - In Love With These Times?
Flying Nun moves from Christchurch to Auckland, and a major-label association. Vinyl gives way to CD. The first artist contracts are signed! Read more Audio
-
Part 2 - Getting Older
Flying Nun runs as a cooperative, with profits spent on new recordings. Lessons are learned about contracts and initial international forays. Read more Audio
-
Part 1 - Anything Could Happen
1 Oct 2011It took a bright idea, $50, and a lot of good will for Flying Nun Records to start documenting NZ's South Island music scene in 1981. Read more Audio
-
The Flying Nun Pub Quiz
6 Sep 2011Celebrities and train spotters test their knowledge of Flying Nun Records artists and songs in 2004. Read more Audio
In December 2006 the story of Flying Nun Records, 1980-2002, was made available as audio-on-demand for the first time, to celebrate Flying Nun’s 25th Birthday.
To celebrate Flying Nun’s 30th Anniversary in November 2011, Flying Nun Records, 1980-2002 and other, related audio became available via download / podcast for the very first time from RNZ National, with thanks to Mushroom Music Publishing, Native Tongue and Mana Music Publishing, and of course… Flying Nun Records.
Related stories:
Roger Shepherd: the story of Flying Nun
Flying Nun plays a central role in the cultural fabric of the NZ history - so much so that it's hard to talk about NZ music and not mention Flying Nun bands - such has been its impact. Founder Roger… Audio
Feature Guest - Roger Shepherd - Flying Nun founder
Founder of influential independent NZ music label Flying Nun. He started it in Christchurch in 1981 and it was home to legendary acts such as The 3Ds, The Clean, The Chills, and Straitjacket Fits. It… Audio
Flying Nun: dusting off the habit
The Flying Nun is dusting off her habit. Grayson Gilmour, Roger Shepherd and ex-Sneaky Feeling David Pine speak about the label's revival. Audio
Flying Nun favourites with Bruce Russell
Archivist, user experience consultant, member of the Dead C., and music writer, who has curated a new Flying Nun archival compilation, Time to Go. Audio
Access All Areas: Indies Meet Indies
Trevor Reekie talks to veteran deal maker Roger Shepherd - founder of Flying Nun Records - and modern-day equivalent Lil Chief Records co-owner Gareth Shute about how local artists are securing… Audio
Links
- Tally Ho! The Southern Sinfonia celebrates Flying Nun
- Extended Play: The Classic Flying Nun EPs Records
- Flying Nun on AudioCulture
- Flying Nun on NZ On Screen