BIG FAN
Morningside

BIG FAN is a not-for-profit, multi-purpose music space located in Morningside, Aotearoa New Zealand.

We offer three world-class, acoustically treated recording studios with top of the line gear in each including high end tube condenser microphones, Focal monitor speakers, and a collection of industry standard pre-amps. Each studio offers unique qualities such as a Yamaha Upright U3 Piano in studio 03 and an isolation booth in studio 01 perfect for drum tracking and band recording. We have a range of synths, guitars, basses, and software available for all types of music creation.

Our studios are built to feel comfortable and nonintimidating for first timers and established creatives alike, with our lounge and dining area offering a much needed space to unwind and recoup throughout sessions. Our goal at BIG FAN is to bring people together, to support the role of music in the betterment of people’s lives, and to foster the talents of musicians, songwriters and those behind the scenes, regardless of experience level.

Best for: Solo/duos

Christian Tjandrawinata
Pt Chevalier

Christian is a Tāmaki Makaurau-based music producer with over a decade of experience recording local and international artists. Known for his strong pop and indie production work, he’s also a versatile multi-instrumentalist. He works from a high-end studio (Parachute Studios & Pt Chev) ideal for solo or smaller group artists, equipped with premium gear and a wide range of software instruments and effects.

Best for: Solo/small groups (no drums)

Dan Martin
Kingsland

Dan Martin is a Silver-Scroll winning producer whose work has generated over 70 million streams and 700 million TikTok views. With strong pop instincts, he collaborates with artists across New Zealand and Australia, bringing elevated vocal production and mainstream polish to every track.

His credits include Frankie Venter, Keenan Te, Jackson Owens, and the award winning “35” by Rob Ruha.

Whether you’re bringing a fully written song or just an idea, Dan works with artists to shape it into a polished record with tight production, confident vocals, and a track you’re proud to release.

Best for: Solo/duo

EDYONTHEBEAT
Morningside & Pt Chevalier

EDYONTHEBEAT, based in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), has accumulated over 170 million global streams across his portfolio, gaining major traction online in 2025. He has built a fanbase of 119K+ Instagram followers, 242K+ on TikTok, exceeding 2M+ monthly content engagements. His viral vocal production session clips and TikTok Lives have sparked interactions from the likes of Timbaland, Charlie Puth, Ty Dolla $ign, Kehlani, Jessie Reyez, Tone Stith and Mac Ayres to name a few.

Best for: All

Jol Mulholland
Mt Eden

With over 20 years of experience, Jol Mulholland is a two-time Tui Award-winning producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist known for his work with Troy Kingi,  Tami Neilson, Anna Coddington, Daffodils, TE KAAHU, Park Rd and many more. Based in Auckland, he works from a fully equipped studio space that can accommodate projects ranging from solo artists to full bands, bringing a distinct sonic vision to music across pop, indie, orchestral and experimental genres.

Best for: All

Mazbou Q
Manukau

UNCHAINED XL Studio is a boutique recording space located in the peaceful neighbourhood of Goodwood Heights. Purpose-built for solo artists and vocal-focused projects, the studio features an Austrian Audio OC818 microphone paired with premium outboard gear to capture pristine vocal takes. With a strong emphasis on vocal production and harmonies, sessions are led by Mazbou Q – an experienced producer and mentor known for drawing out powerful performances and creating polished, modern mixes across Hip Hop, Pop, Electronic and Fusion styles. The studio also supports guitar, bass (via digital amps), and solo instrument tracking, with an Ibanez 7-string guitar and 5-string bass available on-site.

Best for: Solo/duo

Roundhead Studios
Eden Terrace

Welcome to Roundhead Studios in uptown Auckland.

We have 2 beautiful spaces for making music. Each studio has been crafted to inspire creativity and collaboration, filled with and incredible selection of musical instruments and recording equipment. As a winner of a Play it Strange competition you will awarded a day in our incredible Brick Room studio. The Brick Room is fitted with an API 1608 console and filled with a selection of amazing instruments and recording equipment. It has a Lipp Upright piano, Fender Rhodes, Tape Echos, Spring Reverbs, Fender and Vox amplifiers. The cupboard is stocked with vintage and modern microphones including Neumann, AKG, Shure, Telefunken and many more.

We look forward to welcoming you in person.

Best for: All

The Lab
Mt Eden

The Lab is located in Mt Eden Village, and suits bands or ensembles, as it is a large space, with an extensive collection of vintage instruments and equipment that musicians may have only ever seen pictures of. 

Best for: Bands

Bigpop
Freemans Bay

Bigpop Studios offers world class music production and recording conveniently located in Auckland central. We offer three fantastic recording studio spaces in a welcoming and creative environment, ideal for emerging and experienced artists and musicians. Bigpop provides creators with a community within which to flourish. Our talented team of music engineers and producers are ready to work with you on your project.

Bigpop offers a long history of music recording and mixing experience. Artists that have recorded at Bigpop Studios include CHAII, Stan Walker, Jujulipps, Gin Wigmore, Boh Runga, Jess B, Kaylee Bell, Olivia Foa’i, Theia, Kings, 9 Lives, Isla Noon, Lani Purkis, Rodney Fisher, Majic Pāora, Ariel Wose, Arli Liberman, Beth Torrance, Awhimai Fraser, Jason Kerrison, Written by Wolves, Strawpeople, Che Fu, Riki Reid, The Feelers, Bailey Wiley and Niko Walters.

Our gear list is extensive, including the best mics, pre-amps and interfaces for recording vocals and instruments, as well as a Yamaha UX-3 Upright piano, a Tama Superstar drum kit, guitars and basses. We specialise in everything from acoustic and electronic production for solo artists and songwriters to full band recording and mixing.

Best for: All

Crescendo
Henderson

CRESCENDO is a social enterprise recording studio and all profits go towards funding youth music production programmes. Originally based in Avondale, we now have a brand new purpose built studio in Henderson, West Auckland. 

We specialise in recording young talent and create a supportive environment to bring the best out of people. Crescendo has three vocal studios and a larger live room to accommodate a range of recording styles and genres. Crescendo's producers include David Atai from Nesian Mystik, who has produced hundreds of songs over the years for youth that have come through Crescendo's youth music programmes. 

Best for: All

Depot Sound
Devonport

Depot Sound offers a welcoming studio space and an array of professional microphones and audio gear. We are a longtime Play it Strange collaborator and are looking forward to continuing our support for artists in 2025 and beyond. Our studio space is constantly evolving with our most recent addition being our custom made Ekadek. It sounds just as good as it looks. We have a spacious live-room for whole band recording and live drums also.

Best for: All

Parachute Studios
Kingsland

Based in Kingsland, Auckland, Parachute Music run a multi-studio community and work to assist artists, producers and songwriters develop sustainable careers. Our facilities include 11 producer studios and 1 large recording studio; and we offer support to musicians in a holistic way, including wellbeing services, subsidised studios, and initiatives to foster connection and collaboration. We work to practice community as a verb, and like to think we're more than just a facility; we're a hospitable home.

Artists who record at Parachute include Stan Walker, Teeks, Gin Wigmore, Balu Brigada, Theia, Teddy Swims, Benson Boone, Georgia Lines, Dave Dobbyn, Borderline, Corrella, Sons of Zion, Supergroove, Kaylee Bell, Coterie, Foley & There’s a Tuesday. 

Best for: All

Tom Broome (Broome Recordings)

New Lynn

Tom Broome is an Auckland based drummer, producer and recording engineer. He runs a New Lynn studio and premium custom drum company Kdrums, both focused on encompassing the fusion of creativity and craftsmanship. Tom has performed with bands such as Aaradhna, TEEKS, Tiny Ruins, Dave Dobbyn, and Tami Neilson, and recorded artists such as Molly Payton, Six60, Avantdale Bowling Club, Home Brew and heaps more.

Best for: All

Scott Seabright
Tuakau

My name is Scott Seabright. I'm a Grammy and Tui nominated engineer and producer based out of my Production Studio in Tuakau. My studio is small but mighty with lots of vintage and modern instruments and recording equipment. It's the perfect space for both bands and solo artists to feel comfortable being creative.

Best for: All

The Porch
Hamilton

The Porch is a recording studio in Hamilton, out by the Hamilton ZOO. I have been recording music out here since 2007. I specialise in recording / producing solo singer songwriters mainly. In a Play it Strange session we fully deep dive into your song and cook up unique ways to best present it. My aim is that your song will stand up tall in this modern-day music world. I have no limitations with musical genre and work in with the client to ensure that when they leave, they have something that not only sounds awesome but they have an awesome learning experience to better any future recording experiences. 

Best for: Solo singer-songwriter

Studio 11B
Mt Maunganui

Over the past five years we've recorded quite a few Play It Strange sessions.  Although we can do electronic music, we tend to work more with solo artists and full bands wanting to record vocals, acoustic instruments, and playing together as bands.  We have a great selection of drums, pianos, keyboards, organs, bass guitars, both acoustic and electric guitars, amplifiers, and a collection of very nice mics.  We also try to keep a relaxed and easy-going vibe in the studio.   

Best for: All

Link Flamingo (Nathan Sowter)
Mt Maunganui

I'm a producer and mix engineer with over 20 years' experience, based in Mount Maunganui. My studio is best suited to singer-songwriters and pop/electronic artists. I use top-quality gear, including a Manley VoxBox vocal chain and a Reference C mic for pro-level vocals. I've worked with artists like Kora, Jackson Owens, and Frankie Venter, and I’m all about helping artists bring their songs to life in a relaxed, creative space. 

Best for: Solo singer-songwriter, pop and electronic

TE WHANGANUI A TARA - WELLINGTON

Studio 7010
Nelson

Studio 7010 is a recording studio and creative space for audio based in Nelson. Started by a team of vastly experienced producers, engineers and creative specialists in 2025, our mission is to make professional recording accessible for all levels. 

Best for: All

Orange Studios
Ferrymead

Running as a music production studio since 2006, Orange is the largest commercial studio in the South Island.  Located between Christchurch's CBD and beaches, the studio features a spacious live room, three large isolation booths and two control rooms.  Top-shelf equipment is available, including classic microphones and vintage compressors, EQs and preamps.  Instruments for your use include drum kits from Ludwig and Gretsch; guitars from Fender, Gibson and Taylor; valve amps from Fender, Marshall, Orange, Vox and Ampeg; and a beautiful Yamaha C7 grand piano.

Best for: All

Sole Music Academy
Addington

A Music Academy specialising in Artist Development and supporting emerging artists prepare, record and release their music.

Best for: Solo/duo

Te Korokoro o te Tūī
Dunedin North - University of Otago

 A purpose built recording studio and production complex housed within the University of Otago. The facility houses several studio suites: these range in size from the expansive live room in Tūi, which features an SSL Duality Delta Console, Bosendorfer Grand Piano, large control room and isolation booths - to smaller studios.

The facility is comprehensively equipped and all suites are furnished with industry standard hardware and software.

Te Korokoro is a space for creativity in a range of contexts, from music recording to live theatre, and home to projects for education, research, community and commercial purposes. 

Best for: All

AWOL Creative
Central Dunedin

AWOL Creative is a Dunedin-based studio run by producer and multi-instrumentalist Abby Wolfe, specialising in pop, acoustic pop, folk, indie, and singer-songwriter recordings. Sessions often feature acoustic and electric guitars, piano, and layered plugin instruments, with live string players available when needed. Abby offers songwriting guidance, co-writing, production, mixing, and artist mentoring in a relaxed, collaborative space. The studio is also home to Goose, a very friendly golden retriever.

Best for: Pop, acoustic, folk, indie, singer-songwriter