Six60: New Zealand's Chart-Topping Pop Rock Pioneers

Six60 is a multi-platinum pop rock band from Dunedin, New Zealand, celebrated for their massive live shows and record-breaking commercial success. The group has become a cultural phenomenon in their home country, achieving historic sales and sell-out stadium tours that have redefined the local music industry.

Early career

Six60 formed in 2008, taking their name from the address of their student flat at 660 Castle Street in Dunedin. The original lineup consisted of vocalist and guitarist Matiu Walters, guitarist Ji Fraser, bassist Chris Mac, drummer Eli Paewai, and keyboardist Marlon Gerbes. They honed their sound blending rock, pop, and R&B influences in the local live scene before self-releasing their debut EP in 2009.

Breakthrough

The band's self-titled debut album, released in 2011, propelled them to national fame. Driven by hit singles, the album spent over two years on the New Zealand charts and eventually achieved 9x Platinum certification. This success established Six60 as a major commercial force, leading to a landmark signing with Universal Music New Zealand.

Key tracks

Rise Up 2.0 — This 2015 single became a national anthem, achieving 6x Platinum status and becoming one of the highest-selling New Zealand songs of all time.

Don't Forget Your Roots — A defining early hit from their debut album, this track's message and melody cemented their connection with a generation of fans.

Closer — A smooth, pop-infused track showcasing their R&B influences, it further demonstrated their hit-making versatility.

Pepeha — This 2021 release, featuring Māori lyrics, highlighted the band's cultural roots and became a powerful live moment.

Sundown — A later-career smash that dominated airplay, proving their continued relevance and chart dominance.

Their subsequent albums, including 2015's Six60 (2) and 2019's Six60 (3), debuted at number one, with the latter making them the first New Zealand act to have three consecutive number-one studio albums. The band has made history with their live performances, notably selling out Western Springs Stadium in Auckland multiple times, a feat no other local act had previously accomplished.

Collaborations have also been key, with notable features including artists like Drax Project and Kings. Their 2021 self-titled international album, released via Warner Records, marked a strategic push for global recognition while maintaining their core sound. Their consistent output and stadium-filling prowess have earned them numerous New Zealand Music Awards.

Fans of Six60's anthemic pop-rock sound and stadium-ready energy should also explore other leading New Zealand acts. The Naked And Famous shares a knack for crafting expansive, synth-driven indie pop anthems. Broods offers a similarly polished electronic pop sensibility with strong local appeal. Shapeshifter delivers a high-energy live drum and bass experience that resonates with Six60's concert dynamism. Katchafire provides the roots reggae and soul influences that subtly underpin much of Six60's music.

Six60's catalog receives frequent airplay across a wide spectrum of radio formats, from mainstream pop and rock FM stations to dedicated New Zealand music channels and online radio streams. Their hit-driven albums ensure their songs are staples on playlists seeking energetic, melodic, and locally iconic content.

Listeners can experience the powerful sound of Six60 through the various radio stations featured on our website. Tune in via onairium.com to discover their music and hear why they remain one of New Zealand's most essential and successful pop rock exports.