Darkroom and Space Academy Fundraiser Compilation 'DarkSpace' Launched

Ōtautahi's musical community has banded together during thin times for live shows in support of darkroom and Space Academy, both of whom provide absolutely crucial gig space for a wide range of Aotearoa's brightest talents. Curated by Violet French and stacked to the brim with twenty five tunes, all generously contributed by a multi-generational lineup of artists, DarkSpace: A Fundraiser to Help Fill the Void delivers an awesome snapshot of Canterbury's bustling music scene — including "b-sides, rarities, demos, covers, and deep cuts" by local champs Delaney Davidson, Laura Lee Lovely, Minisnap, Hex Waves, Martin Sagadin, Ryan Fisherman, Dark Matter, Best Bets, Opawa 45s and many more. If you wait until the fee-waiving Bandcamp Friday initiative begins at 8pm NZST tonight before purchasing, you'll be safe in the knowledge that 100% of your funds will go direct to this most excellent of causes. Here's the full lowdown from the organisers...

"In the face of uncertainty; amongst alert level restrictions, wage subsidy applications, and reschedule after reschedule. DarkSpace aims to help fill the void left by Covids’ second wave; and to help secure the future of two of Aotearoas’ favourite destination venues- Darkroom and Space Academy.

Like penguins, the community has huddled together to keep the cold out of these two beloved institutions. This compilation of b-sides, rarities, demos, covers, and deep cuts, is a cross section of not only our musicians; but multi-disciplinary artists. All works have been gifted to this collection, and sees the likes of Delaney Davidson, Flying Nun alumni Dark Matter and Minisnap, alongside indie darlings such as Lucy Hunter, the Waltham Home Organ Society, Ryan Fisherman, The Wendys and Laura Lee Lovely (to name a few), banding together to raise funds for these venues.

While the annual festival can’t take place, DarkSpace; A Fundraiser to Help Fill the Void can be re-lived again, and again and again."