Songs from the Shaky Isles by Gareth Shute

Gareth Shute’s Songs from the Shaky Isles is an invigorating and comprehensive sweep through Aotearoa New Zealand’s popular music history, tracking the evolution of the country’s sound from pre-radio live performances to the era of global digital streaming. Rich in detail yet briskly paced, the book reads like a greatest hits compilation, filled with sharp insights, well-chosen anecdotes and a contagious enthusiasm for the subject.

Divided into fourteen lively chapters, the book traces the cultural and technological shifts that have shaped New Zealand’s musical landscape. Beginning with early settler songs and waiata Māori, Shute moves through yodelling and swing, the rise of rock 'n' roll, punk and pub rock, into indie scenes, reggae, hip hop, and finally, the borderless streaming age. Each chapter blends social context with personal stories, weaving together macro trends and micro moments in a way that remains accessible without sacrificing nuance.

What sets this book apart is Shute’s ability to draw connections between music and society. The chapter titles themselves, such as Get a Haircut, Independent Spirits, and Hip Hop's Golden Years, hint at the sociocultural conversations underpinning each musical moment. The 1980s and 1990s, for instance, are framed not just by the rise of Flying Nun Records or Upper Hutt Posse, but by broader questions of identity, resistance and the role of the arts in shaping national consciousness. Shute’s work reminds readers that music is never just background noise; it is commentary, protest, aspiration and community, all rolled into one.

As a musician himself and co-founder of Lil’ Chief Records, Shute brings insider knowledge to his writing. Yet he maintains journalistic clarity and objectivity, packing the book with a wealth of facts without overwhelming the reader. There’s a generous inclusion of images and concert posters that evoke the spirit of the times, alongside short but punchy accounts of pivotal gigs, career-defining songs, and unsung heroes of the local scene.

Fans of New Zealand music will revel in the nostalgia and discovery alike. There is space here for legends such as Split Enz, Shihad and Lorde, but also for the lesser-known trailblazers who carved the path for others. Readers are likely to come away with a deeper appreciation of the cultural forces that have shaped and been shaped by music in Aotearoa.

Songs from the Shaky Isles is more than a history book; it is a celebration of creative spirit, resilience and the ever-changing rhythms of a nation. For music lovers, cultural historians and anyone curious about what makes New Zealand tick sonically, this is essential reading.

Reviewer: Chris Reed

Bateman Books