From humble beginnings performing at Dunedin parties to playing alongside some of the world's most revered artists - Summer Thieves have rightfully earned their spot as one of Aotearoa’s most exciting & hard-working bands.
Singer and guitarist Jake Barton and drummer Johnny Ward began playing together in high school, before joining forces with Adam Spencer (bass) to Summer Thieves. Starting at Dunedin Scarfie parties and covers gigs, they quickly became a crowd favourite, amassing a legion of dedicated fans nationwide. Since forming, Summer Thieves have expanded to a five-piece line-up recruiting Izzy Bones (keys and guitar) and Jarni Blair (lead guitar).
After releasing a run of singles, they released their debut album, Warped, a 12-track journey laced with catchy hooks & hypnotic rhythms produced by Tiki Taane. The following years saw the band become a regular on the festival circuit, with multiple performances across the likes of Rhythm & Vines, Bay Dreams, Rhythm & Alps & Soundsplash.
The band followed this up with an extended five-piece lineup, and the release of their anticipated follow-up EP, Bandaids & Lipsticks. The EP saw them expanding their indie sound, incorporating more of a polished-pop feel, while continuing to embrace their party-starting roots.
Their second album, Paradise Down The Road, was released November 2021. The album moves effortlessly across all aspects of their sound, bringing together elements of pop, rock, blues, indie & even tinges of hip-hop & gospel. The band followed it up with festival appearances across NZ, and their debut Australian shows in April 2022, supporting L.A.B and performing a number of headline shows.
2022 saw the band play a sold-out headline tour across New Zealand and release the single ‘Tongue & Cheek’ with the B-side ‘Pieces’ from their upcoming album. They followed it up with another massive summer run of shows, and the singles 'Sunshine' & 'Funny How The Mind Works'.
Cigarettes In Space is their new album, which sees the band pushing their sound further into weird and wonderful places, while staying true to the band’s sound that has won fans over across their massive summer shows in New Zealand and Australia. The release will be supported with a massive release show at the iconic Powerstation in Auckland, followed by another big summer of touring across NZ & Australia.