Flying Nun Records
Over the past forty years, the Flying Nun record label has released hundreds of alternative and underground Aotearoa New Zealand music artists, bands, albums, records, EPs, singles and videos.
Back in 1981, Roger, at the time a Christchurch record shop employee and music fan, was inspired to start a record label by the 'do it yourself' ethic which originally accompanied the worldwide punk rock explosion in 1977.
It was in the winter of 1981 when Roger Shepherd started his record label in Christchurch New Zealand and when Flying Nun's first records appeared in stores around New Zealand.
The label's erratic distribution system (a loose network of friends around the major centres) meant that copies of the Pin Group's seven-inch single 'Ambivalence'/'Columbia' were scarce.
A second single followed two weeks later, but such was the demand for 'Tally Ho', by Dunedin's The Clean (Shepherd's favourite band) that the record steamrollered into the NZ Singles Charts despite Flying Nun's distinctly part-time, cottage industry approach to selling records. 'Tally Ho' reached number 19 in the New Zealand Singles Charts.
For the next few months, Flying Nun continued to concentrate on recording bands from Christchurch; the label's earliest releases include another single and EP from the Pin Group, a single from the all-women band, 25 Cents, and records from Bill Direen's Builders. Meanwhile, The Clean had got together with Chris Knox and Doug Hood to record Boodle Boodle Boodle, a seven-song twelve-inch EP that followed 'Tally Ho' into the charts but managed to stay in the top 50 for a full six months! The EP eventually sold in excess of 10,000 copies.
Flying Nun has since grown and has opened main street stores in Wellington, and Auckland and is finally flying home to Christchurch. They have teamed up with local Leather Jacket record label owner Matthias McGregor to open the first Flying Nun store in central Christchurch.
Pre-quake, the city adorned many independent record stores but now they have become a bit of a rarity. Matthias has been operating the AV Club on New Regent Street for some years and re-releasing several local bands' music from the late 70’s – early 80’s under his Leather Jacket record label.
With vinyl making a serious comeback this store is a great addition to our city offering many music titles not found elsewhere. This store is a must for all vinyl lovers and audiophiles out there, and you will find them located in The Terrace Arcade along from Scorpio Book Store in the BNZ Centre, off Cashel Street City Mall.
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