MNZ Interview: The Boondocks

Hailing from the rugged edges of South Auckland’s Āwhitu Peninsula, The Boondocks are a two-piece force proving that bigger isn’t always louder. Formed in 2022 by vocalist/bassist Scott Parker and drummer Branden Pritchard, the duo has quickly carved out their place as an impactful, no-frills, high-energy performance band and one of Aotearoa’s most compelling new alternative rock acts.

Muzic NZ’s Evana chats to Scott from The Boondocks.

You’re in the middle of a NZ tour with a few stops left – what’s changed since the first show, and which gig has been your favourite so far?

Hard to really choose. All the shows so far have been really special. Wānaka was a massive turnout with heaps of energy. It was really cool to play in Powder Chutes’ hometown. Auckland was huge too, with one of the most stacked line-ups from the local scene in a long time.

But at the same time, there was something really neat about playing at The Crown in Dunedin – First time playing there, sold out, and such a historic venue in NZ music.

I’m not sure what has changed. We have definitely developed a really strong friendship with Powder Chutes and Haast Hunter over the course of the tour.

I think for us personally, though, we feel a lot more validated. It’s surreal having people approach us after a show, who really wanted to chat because they’ve been listening to us for a while now. We have signed a lot of shirts too. It’s been really wholesome.

What’s the closest a Boondocks set has come to completely falling apart?

I’m not sure if it qualifies as a Boondocks gig if it doesn’t nearly fall apart. There is a certain effect that watching a show on the brink of collapse has – it creates drama and moments that are memorable.

For example, in Auckland, I very much failed an attempt that was surely going to be an epic stage dive. However, I wasn’t caught, and hit the ground. I had about ten people checking on me after the show as if I had hurt myself (I didn’t), but it was something that stuck with people, hahaha.

However, we did play a show once, where the bar manager decided that the moshing was much too vicious, all 13 security guards working at the time came in and started pulling people out of the crowd, which then initiated a huge brawl outside, and the cops got involved. That gig goes down as the biggest shit show of our career.

I love your connection, banter & humour shared online; What’s something about each other that should annoy you by now – and how do you navigate that dynamic when tensions do come up?

Branden and I get along really well. We shouldn’t get along on paper, but we do. It’s comparable to yin and yang. Branden is very relaxed and confident; I am really intense and anxious.

It’s not often tensions come up, but if something does, Branden usually says something prolific like “who gives a fuck?” or “who cares?” That usually resolves most panic situations.

Opening for Shihad’s final show – did that feel like validation or pressure?

That show was huge. I still can’t believe we did that. It was the most imposter syndrome I have ever felt, that’s for sure.

There were so many memorable things about that show though. My whole life, my dream was to open for Shihad—and then we get asked to play the final show? Hell yeah.

We flew down and watched from outside the fence of Homegrown with about a hundred other people when they announced the final show. It was so special.

We got to hang out with Shihad before the show for a little bit, and during soundcheck a fire alarm went off so the fire brigade had to turn up which was kind of funny. During the show, we hung out with Shepherd’s Reign in the green room, and they were really nice guys. Then after the show, it was really sad, cause that was it. Shihad said goodbye. We were so lucky, and forever grateful to be able to be there for that experience.

You’ve mentioned Shihad as an influence; I can hear some Royal Blood in there but also vocals with the raw, raspy quality in the heavier moments that reminds me a bit of Daniel Johns too. What/who else has shaped your sound, and what influences might people not expect to hear?

I’m not sure. We definitely love both those bands. There’s also Queens of the Stone Age, The Warning, Highly Suspect, and Foo Fighters. I’m a huge fan of the Canadian duo, Cleopatrick. They definitely play a huge part in my writing influence. Oh, and Nickelback slaps.

Is there a comparison people make that feels completely off? 

Probably Green Day. We both like Green Day, but many people compare us to them and I don’t get it, hahaha!

What still feels unreal about where you’re at right now?

Everything. We have such an amazing amount of support from our fans, friends, and family. They make it all possible. We are currently getting played on The Rock FM every day, which is unreal.

To put it in perspective, we started this band in a woodshed in Āwhitu, did three practices, wrote maybe four songs, and then started gigging. Recording music wasn’t even on the cards until we met our producer, Scott Seabright. I mainly just wanted to play a show. Now we are here, and it’s unbelievable. We’ve been really lucky, and we’re both so grateful for just how lucky we’ve been.

I have always taken a lot of pride in being an underdog. Two guys from the middle of nowhere, going out and getting it done, y’know?

Rapid Fire

Go-to pre-show ritual (if any)?

We don’t have any. I usually get anxious, and Branden says, “we’ll be sweet,” and that’s the extent of it, hahaha.

One word to describe your sound?

Butt-rock

Who’s more likely to mess up live?

We both mess up. We are probably dead even, to be honest.

Who’s more stubborn creatively?

Branden.

One word to describe each other?

I would say for Branden: idiot

Branden would probably say for me: idiot

Dream NZ band to tour with (that you haven’t yet)?

That’s a hard one! Maybe Steriogram? Or Elemeno P?

Overseas band you’d drop everything to support?

Literally any because we haven’t supported an international act, and that’s my goal for this year.

Strangest compliment you’ve received about the band?

Not even sure if it is a compliment, but “Green Day from wish”.

A question you’re sick of being asked?

Never sick of questions! We are grateful for anyone that takes an interest in us!

A question you wish people would ask?

“I’m a really rich person with a really famous record label. Can I sign you?”

Have you ever taken a live goat onstage? (I.Y.K.Y.K)

Much to everyone’s disappointment, we have not had a goat onstage. However, we have had a real-life, in-the-flesh Bigfoot join us a couple of times.

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The Boondocks have two shows left on their 2026 tour: May 1st: Wellington, May 2nd: New Plymouth.

The guys are currently working on a new album but you can check out their 2024 EP The Boondocks and 2025 Album Don’t Let Them See You Cry on Spotify.