Why NZ Musicians Are Choosing Better Band Merch
Celebrating Aotearoa music and more conscious merch this NZ Music Month
May is NZ Music Month — a time to turn the volume up on local talent and support the artists who soundtrack our lives. For us, it’s also a time to reflect on how merch can play a bigger role in that support — especially when it's made to last, feels great to wear, and is kind on the planet.
We’ve been lucky to work with some incredible New Zealand artists over the years, helping them bring their merch to life in a way that aligns with their brand and values. Most recently, we’ve printed for Fazerdaze and Nadia Reid, two artists who not only create powerful music but also care about what their fans wear in support of it.
Nadia Reid’s ‘Enter Now Brightness’ Tee
For her latest merch, Nadia Reid released the Enter Now Brightness Tee — a beautifully considered piece that ties directly into her artistic world. Printed on the AS Colour Classic Tee, this mid-weight garment offers a reliable fit and everyday comfort.
The tee features a vibrant two-colour centre chest screen print of Enter Now Brightness, an original artwork by New Zealand artist Lily Paris West, who has also created visuals for bands like The Beths and Mermaidens.
By pairing a quality tee with meaningful artwork, Nadia delivered something fans will hold onto long after the show.
Fazerdaze: A Cohesive Merch Collection
Fazerdaze took things a step further with a thoughtfully curated collection of merchandise that span multiple items and formats—all designed with a consistent visual identity and high-quality feel.
Their merch range included:
- A series of Comfort Colors heavyweight tees, each screen printed with a unique design. These tees have a soft, vintage-washed feel and a relaxed fit that fans love.
- An AS Colour Supply crew sweatshirt in Coal with a left chest print and a bold botanical sleeve print.
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A premium cotton tote bag with a large-format lilac screen print across the front, showcasing graphic elements from Fazerdaze’s Soft Power visual universe. It’s lightweight yet durable — ideal for gigs and records. Designed by Zoe Hannay
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A navy AS Colour Access cap embroidered on the front with the Fazerdaze logo and finished with a butterfly motif on the back strap, tying the collection together with subtle detail.
- A screen-printed notebook designed to match the Soft Power aesthetic, adding a practical but thoughtful piece to the merch range.
The result? A cohesive, considered merch drop that felt more like a limited capsule collection than standard gig merch. Every piece complemented the next, allowing fans to mix and match or collect the full set.
Merch That Feels Better
More and more artists are asking the right questions:
- Where is this made?
- What inks are we using?
- Will fans actually want to wear this tee a year from now?
We help answer those questions by sourcing ethically made garments, offering low-waste, water-based screen printing, and encouraging design choices that stand the test of time.
Looking Ahead to NZ Music T-Shirt Day – 30 May 2025
As part of NZ Music Month, NZ Music T-Shirt Day is your chance to rep your favourite local act by wearing their tee—and supporting MusicHelps, a charity that uses music to change lives.
It’s the perfect moment to reflect on how band merchandise connects artists and fans and how we can make this connection more meaningful and sustainable.
Ready to Create Better Merch?
If you’re a musician (or manage one), and want to create merch that your fans will live in, not just wear once — we’d love to help. From premium blanks to sustainable print methods, we’ve got you covered.
Talk to our team about your next merch run — get in touch.
