As part of New Zealand Music Month, Nelson Weekly is featuring local bands and musicians throughout May, showcasing the stories behind the region’s thriving music scene. This week, Kate Russell speaks with Pete Flynn from The Pete Flynn Project.
Some bands start with a plan. The Pete Flynn Project started with a song, then a few more, and kept growing from there.
What began as Pete Flynn’s solo acoustic work has slowly evolved into a full band sound, shaped by collaboration and a shared love of storytelling through music.
“The vision was to take the stripped-back acoustic guitar songs and develop a bigger, lusher sound that could reach a wider audience without losing the essence of storytelling that is central to the work,” Pete says.
“This, combined with the philosophy of collaboration and music as a community, led to the Pete Flynn Project.”
Pete fronts the band on vocals and guitar, alongside Neal Bonner on guitar and vocals, Paula Brocklesby on bass guitar and vocals, and Chris Head on drums and vocals.
Each member brings a different musical background to the group.
Pete, the principal songwriter, draws influence from decades of music and enjoys experimenting with alternative guitar tunings and unusual melodies.
Neal’s style was shaped playing pubs and festivals throughout the United Kingdom, weaving blues and rock-inspired guitar lines through the songs.
Paula brings experience in musical theatre and bass-driven melodies, while Chris uses his background in jazz and rock percussion to shape the feel and emotion of the music.
Together, the band describes its sound as folk-rock infused with indie vibes.
Their influences include R.E.M., Crowded House, Goldenhorse, Paul Kelly, The Tragically Hip and Fleetwood Mac.
The band’s songs explore everything from relationships and personal experiences to wider issues facing the world today.
“From relationships and dealing with life’s ebb and flow through to navigating our changing world, be it awareness of environmental changes to the influences on human life through technology and AI,” Pete says.
He explains that songs often begin with a melody or groove before the story behind them begins to emerge.
“The piece then reveals itself as I draw on themes and observations that have resonated with me on some level.”
Live shows are a major focus for the band, with Pete describing performances as a “musical journey”.
“It takes the audience on a journey of musical storytelling through catchy upbeat songs through to introspective and intricately woven stories, culminating in rousing numbers that audiences find it easy to sing along to.”
One of the highlights for the band so far has been the reaction from audiences during summer shows.
“During and after the shows, people want to discuss the songs and let us know their favourites, with some having travelled from outside the area to see us perform,” Pete says.
The Pete Flynn Project is now looking further afield, with plans to tour more widely around New Zealand, including a Lyttelton gig in July. The band will also return to the studio in August to record a second EP.
Pete says Nelson’s music scene has played an important role in supporting local artists.
“We are fortunate in Nelson and the wider region to have venues that showcase a multitude of genres and styles, as well as audiences that appreciate such musical diversity.”
The Pete Flynn Project currently has four songs available online at thepeteflynnproject.bandcamp.com or check out www.thepeteflynnproject.nz for upcoming shows
