Alt-Wave Returns 7 November with Neuroclash

Auckland multimedia events collective Alt-Wave are returning once again on November 7th at Big Fan with Neuroclash! A lineup of music and spoken word all representing the neurodivergent community. Funded by Creative NZ, the musical lineup features theatrical pop-punkers Club Ruby, twee pop band Moondrops, and eclectic electronic artist youmay – while Ash Raymond James and Jay Alexander hold down the poetry.

Club Ruby are an engaging musical collective that unites people from all generations through their shared love for juicy indie rock/pop punk tunes with a hidden theatrical twist. With an infectious bond between band members, their genuine camaraderie shines through in conversational, heartfelt lyrics and contagious riffs that evoke a sense of joy, immersing listeners in a captivating soundscape reminiscent of early 2000s coming-of-age stories. Lead by firecracker President Ruby belting about the whimsical chaos of growing up, pursuing one’s aspirations, and rediscovering your inner child, the Club Ruby committee connects with audiences that may have been through the gutter but are trying their best to heal – and have fun while they’re at it. A voice for the closet theatre kids, basement DnD dwellers, and a champion for the video and board game nerds, Club Ruby’s music serves as the soundtrack to fulfil your nostalgic main character dreams.

Moondrops are an up-and-coming twee pop band who just made their debut in the late quarter of 2026. The four members are already familiar faces of the young Auckland music scene including: singer-songwriter Edie VC, Udyan Aiono of Castlegarden, Eve Jones of On The Run From Eden (and formerly CCTV), and Rowan Wanhalla of Zeltora! All coming together for an earnest and wholesome time. The music of Moondrops is an homage to the various waves of twee and jangle pop that have come before them. The band’s songs have a warm and nostalgic sound, with lyrics that walk the line between silliness and sincerity. There is an upbeat and loose quality to them that will take you to the sunniest place in your heart.

youmay is a singer-songwriter from Tamaki Makaurau with an interest in alternative electronic pop. They’ve been making music since the age of 12 and fronted the band Yum Cha for around 5 years (on hiatus), also releasing music under the name Jimmy Acne, including a collaborative EP with Erin G in 2021. Now, with a focus on the music youmay makes on their computer, they embark on a sonic journey through ambient beats to EDM. exploring the realm of computer music in a quest to find hooks, beats, and humanity.

Ash Raymond James is an autistic creative and the founder of Yellow Lamp, offering monthly shows, workshops, exhibitions and two lit mags a year. He adores teaching poetry and sharing the endless possibilities of the written form. Poetry has long been a way of keeping himself going. He also gives lectures and is working on a manuscript titled The Human Seasons, focusing on poetry and essays. He has won awards for his writing and has been published worldwide.

While known more for being in metal bands like Exit Sign and Daedric Seer (as well as many heavy solo projects), Jay Alexander’s first proper outlet was found in creative writing. In high school, Jay made an effort to write a 150-page novella to share around his school and has continued to write short stories and poems sporadically since. Jay now writes publicly on social media under JA, mainly focusing on poems that follow dark themes around mental health, relationships, the occult, and fantasy settings to name a few. Many of these poems have made it to community pages and substack, on top of blending into lyrical content for his music. Neuroclash will be Jay’s first time performing on stage away from acting or music to deliver select pieces on his relationship to neurodivergence.

Neuroclash includes not only a bill of neurodivergent fronted acts, but also has worked to make the space of Big Fan as catered to a neurodivergent audience as possible. With dim and hazeless lighting, ear plugs and muffs directly on hand, and sensory seeking/soothing items including bean bags, pillows, blankets, and sensory toys.

Neuroclash will be a zero judgement zone for anyone with social communication differences, and open use of personal sensory aides. The comfort and ease of the community comes first! Supported by Autism NZ, this gig is made to be a safe and supportive environment for all neuro-types.

Doors open from 7PM at Big Fan, All-Ages and FREE ENTRY with Koha Donation!