Gig Review: Springboard Music Showcase @ OneOneSix, Whangarei – 2/08/2025

The return of Springboard Music to ONEONESIX lit up Whangārei with a dynamic showcase of emerging talent from around the motu. From debut performances to chart-toppers, the evening was a celebration of artistry in its raw, evolving, and electrifying forms. With a lineup featuring soloists and bands across diverse genres, the alcohol- and drug-free, all-ages event created a space where experience and experimentation were welcomed in equal measure.

Psych Show exploded into their first-ever performance with a sound that nodded to Primus and Limp Bizkit. Their high-octane energy sparked a rare early evening mosh pit, setting a bold tone for the night. Fresh off RockQuest, they brought both chaos and charisma – claiming their spot as ones to watch.

Jasmin Fisher-Johnson followed with a charmingly contrasting set. Backed by ukulele and strong singer-songwriter sensibilities, she offered up memorable verses laced with themes of fickle love, fear, and longing. Her instantly singable songs and candid stage banter gave her set a playful intimacy. Stumbles and giggles only added to the appeal – Jasmin’s vulnerability was her strength.

Merlia’s performance felt like falling into a deep cut dream. The duo – Merlia de Ridder and Austyn Mills – wove together nuanced songwriting, lush sonic textures, and skillful delivery. With odes to classic songwriters such as Billy Joel and Joni Mitchell and essence of icons from Van Morrison to Heart, their set was rich in new yet familiar, genre-blending moments. At times jazzy, at times balladic, always immersive.

Jack Robertson showed exactly why he’s already topping charts. His folky pop-rock sound – think Ed Sheeran meets Hozier – was paired with a confident, conversational performance style that compelled audience engagement. Tracks like Lovesick (a #1 NZ iTunes single) showcased his hitmaking instincts. With his natural stage presence and polished songwriting, it’s easy to imagine that you’ll soon find him headlining at a festival near you.

Fork, a youth metal trio fresh out of Waipū and RockQuest, brought raw power and polished grit. With none other than Alien Weaponry’s Neil De Jong on-site mixing their set and repping their merch, the band came with serious endorsement – and they delivered. Commanding, tight, and unapologetically loud, Fork left a lasting impression.

ICE (Tāmaki Makaurau) closed out the night under unexpected circumstances – their lead singer/guitarist was out sick. But in a true “show must go on” moment, the drummer stepped up with a standout vocal performance. While their usual three-part harmonies became two, they pulled it off with a blend of confidence and retro rock flair. Their look & sound scream throwback, with just the right currency to make it fun & fresh.

Springboard Music proved once again that the next generation of Aotearoa musicians isn’t waiting for permission. They’re already here – writing, gigging, experimenting, and showing us what’s next. Keep an eye on every name on this lineup. This was a glimpse into the future of NZ music, and it’s bright.

Keep your eyes peeled for the next Springboard Gig and Applications!