The Civic is a very special place for me, so every act that plays there feels just a little bit magical. So my heart leapt when I realised Chelsea Jade and Deryk would be performing there.

The set up was very clever, with a small stage actually on the main stage, but with all the seats along the very back of the stage, facing out towards all those rows of red seats. It made for a very intimate show.

Deryk

Deryk is Madeline Bradley and last year she released her first EP (which you can get on vinyl, for all those vinyl lovers out there). And they are one to watch! I would not be surprised if we all know the name Deryk by the end of the coming year.

Deryk performed their beautiful new song that was purely samples of native New Zealand birds. It had a way of hitting the ears in a slightly eerie way. By the end of the song, I was captivated. I didn't want it to stop! The combination of the birds with Madeline's melody, was just glorious. I look forward to the day it's released.

Chelsea Jade

Some singers sing, and some do so much more. For Chelsea Jade, it's not just the music that is part of her art form. Her highly joyous and sensual dancing is part of the whole experience. To have choreographed dances for each song is a significant feat - dancing with her two back up singer/dancers all dressed head to toe in New Zealand designer Jimmy D.

When her song Low Brow was performed, everyone got up and then dropped to the ground as the song itself dropped. It was something to see and then Chelsea bought some of the crowd up on stage to dance with her! She continued her performance in amongst everyone, singing and connecting as she went. Chelsea sang a new song, (Ben Lawson and Justyn Pilbrow worked on it) and lucky enough, they were there in the crowd. Chelsea found them and sang directly to the pair of them! It was then announced that the new album she had worked on with Justyn and Ben, is now on its way.