Alt-Wave presents: CCTV, Back To The Hillside & Crying Ivy, + Spoken Word
Tāmaki Makaurau based multi-medium art collective Alt-Wave makes their return on April 10th with a free all ages event at Big Fan. Supported by the Albert-Eden Local Board, this community driven event opens its doors to all who are down to celebrate our thriving local alternative scene. CCTV, Back To The Hillside, and Crying Ivy will be bringing their unique colourful energies to get you on the floor dancing, moshing, and soaking up the sonic atmosphere. The night will also feature short poetry performances to open the event, weaving spoken word into the musical lineup. Together, these elements tie a bow of creative togetherness between artists of different mediums, something Alt-Wave is committed to incorporating in every show going forward.
Though they formed in Auckland, post-punk/garage rock band CCTV have members hailing from all corners of the globe. Their uptempo music oscillates between being funny, sad, and euphoric, with powerful politically charged themes in their lyrics. Their live performances thrum with manic frenetic energy. Last year they released their debut EP Austerity Blues and seek to follow it up with an album in 2026.
Back To The Hillside are a self-managed and self-produced band, who have been established since 2021 with their biggest musical influences stemming from classic post-punk, grunge, and shoegaze. They bring a blend of crushing heavy distortion, and hauntingly beautiful vocals. Both intensity and atmosphere. On stage the band channels this dynamic into their performances that promise to take concert goers on a journey.
Crying Ivy are a four piece band who have made their mark in Auckland’s live music scene drawing from psychedelic rock, progressive metal, and shoegaze. The band have gained momentum from their live performances playing major slots, like the all-ages Others Way stage in 2025. They have just released their sophomore single Respirator, a song that reflects the combination of calm and chaos in their live performances.
As well as these bands-to-watch, there will be three spoken word poets sharing a short piece each. While they all will have their own distinct voice, the thing that will unite these pieces together are themes of community and creative expression. Something that Alt-Wave has always strived to cultivate at their events, and will continue to do so on this night.
Doors open at 7PM on April 10th at Big Fan, FREE ENTRY with Koha donation. Whether you’re a raging rocker or an earnest poet, there will be something for you to enjoy with this stellar Alt-Wave curated lineup.
