Six60: New Zealand's Chart-Topping Alternative Rock Fusion

Six60 is a New Zealand group that has become one of the country's most successful musical acts by blending alternative rock with electronica, R&B, and soul. Formed in Dunedin, the band's rise from university party favorites to stadium headliners is a defining story in modern New Zealand music.

Early career

The band formed in 2008, taking its name from the address of their student flat at 660 Castle Street in Dunedin. Their early sound was rooted in live performance, quickly building a reputation for energetic shows that mixed rock guitars with electronic and soulful elements, a style that would later be categorized as indietronica.

Breakthrough

Six60's self-titled debut album, released in 2011, propelled them to national fame. The album achieved multi-platinum status in New Zealand, spending over two years in the top 40 charts and establishing the band's potent formula of catchy songwriting fused across rock and electronic genres.

Key tracks

Rise Up 2.0 - This anthemic track became a live staple and a major radio hit, encapsulating their uplifting blend of rock energy and electronic production.

Don't Forget Your Roots - A heartfelt song that resonated deeply with New Zealand audiences, becoming one of their signature tunes and a chart-topping success.

White Lines - This track showcases the band's smoother, R&B and synthpop-influenced side, highlighting the diversity within their alternative rock foundation.

Special - A later single that continued their chart dominance, demonstrating their consistent ability to craft polished, genre-blending pop-rock anthems.

The band's subsequent albums, including 2015's "Six60 (2)" and 2019's "Six60 (3)", continued their commercial streak, each debuting at number one in New Zealand. Their success is marked by record-breaking, sold-out stadium shows in their home country, including historic concerts at Western Springs Stadium. Six60 operates largely independently, releasing music through their own label, Massive Entertainment.

Artists with a similar fusion of alternative rock and electronic elements from New Zealand and beyond include Broods, who share a knack for atmospheric indietronica and pop. The Naked And Famous offer a comparable blend of anthemic indie rock and synthesizers. The Australian act Rüfüs Du Sol explores a more dance-oriented but equally melodic take on electronic rock fusion.