The song that captures Kiwi ambition
This is owning it
Since forming as Broods in 2013, Nelson brother-and-sister duo Georgia and Caleb Nott have been supporting each other, both on-stage and off. They live together, make music together, and tour together. They like it that way. Relying on each other for support has been essential as their career has ridden the highs and lows of the music industry.
The Notts have survived challenging times since the release of their hit debut album Evergreen, recorded with Joel Little and including the singles ‘Bridges’ and ‘Mother & Father’. At times, they've felt used by the industry, burnt out and have struggled with record label issues. By the time they got to the making of their third album, they felt lost, ready to give up.
We felt like no one cared. We felt like we weren't cut out for it."Georgia Nott, Broods
Leaning on each other for support, they produced their most accomplished album yet in Don't Feed the Pop Monster, a beautiful blast of shiny pop with a dark lyrical undercurrent that expressed their frustrations with the music industry. Now, with fourth album Space Island out and garnering critical acclaim, the pair are proud they've forged through the tough times.
"We've made heaps of mistakes now," says Caleb. "We're just so grateful that we stuck it out," adds Georgia. That shared tenacity – and their close familial bond – has seen them come through tough times to where they are now.
Their partnership extends to their fans
Making music that's so intensely personal is why they have a fanbase that adores them. They send their songs to the top of streaming charts, sing every word at their shows, then wait for hours to talk to them after their performances. That personal connection is why we chose their song ‘Peach’ to be the musical symbol for the launch of the new Kiwibank brand.
It's an emotional exchange, says Georgia, one that she looks forward to every time they perform.
It gets really deep. We’ve slowly but surely built our career around pleasing those people that want someone to turn to when they feel depressed and anxious, or they’re in a transition that’s hard and they don’t know how to move through it."Georgia Nott, Broods
With shows planned across the rest of the year, they can't wait to return to the road, reconnect with fans and help them navigate the emotions that came with Covid-19.
Making the most of the pandemic
With Covid-19 restricting their ability to tour, Georgia turned the solace of lockdown into a rich creative period. Stuck in her Los Angeles apartment with her brother, Georgia began writing poetry to help her process everything she's been through over the past few years. Caleb realised he should get out of his sister's way and let the words flow. He told her: "Say what you need to, and I’ll make it sound like what you’re saying.”
The resulting set of songs that makes up Space Island contains some of Broods' most intense lyrics. Perhaps as a natural reflection of the mixed emotions of the past couple of years, it also includes some of their prettiest, catchiest and sunniest songs yet.
Crafting music that lasts
First released as a single in 2017, ‘Peach’ is the centrepiece of Don't Feed the Pop Monster and remains a highlight of their live shows. It's a song about "finding an in-between amongst the highs and lows and feeling okay there," says Georgia. "We wrote it in a time where we were feeling unsure about where to go next. We put down all the expectations we had for ourselves and tried to make something that felt new to us."
That inherent optimism makes it the perfect song for Kiwibank's new campaign. Peach gave Kiwibank a track with an upbeat vibe and positive lyrics, a song that encompasses everything Broods have faced up to now. And even after multiple listens, it’s the kind of song you don’t mind hearing again and again.
Having opened for Taylor Swift and Sam Smith, as well as playing at Coachella and other major festivals around the world, Broods represent modern Kiwi musicians achieving great success at home and on the world stage. It's a story of global success from humble beginnings that Aotearoa can connect with. And that’s exactly why we connected with Broods.
