ArtistDirect News
No Doggy! Launches Debut Kids Album Picnic Lunch in Auckland
On 8 August, the Freemans Bay Community Centre will light up with a midday celebration as No Doggy! presents its first children’s record, Picnic Lunch. The event promises a mix of playful tunes and a nostalgic reunion set from rock‑and‑soul veterans Thee Golden Geese.
No Doggy! is a four‑piece jangle‑pop outfit hailing from Tāmaki Makaurau. Stephen Hart, Anya Henis, Peter Smith and Nigel Wright bring a wealth of experience from New Zealand acts such as N. T. Honey, The Crabbs, The Brunettes and P.H.F. The group brands itself as a “kids music super team,” fusing catchy songwriting with musicianship that resonates with listeners of all ages.
Picnic Lunch arrives on a limited‑edition compact disc, released through Sunreturn, an independent Auckland label making its first foray into children’s music. The nine tracks were recorded live and then mixed and mastered at Ukaipō Studios by James Dansey of Āku Hapa, Chabs & Milky. Colourful artwork and a poster designed by Sophie Watson accompany the physical release, offering a visual treat that matches the album’s bright sound.
Doors open at noon in the centre’s step‑free indoor space, welcoming families and music lovers alike. Thee Golden Geese kick off the program at 12:30 pm, followed by No Doggy! at 1:30 pm. The schedule, designed for all‑ages audiences, includes free parking at Pratt Street Carpark or on Hepburn Street, a public bathroom, loud amplified music, and comfortable seating.
UnderTheRadar, the platform that promoted No Doggy!’s single “Grubby Buggy Buddies,” will back the launch. Attendees can download the event poster and access the album’s lyrics on Bandcamp before the show. The platform’s social‑media posts have highlighted the gathering’s community focus.
The album’s nine songs explore a range of child‑friendly themes. “Grubby Buggy Buddies” celebrates friendship, while “Running Raisin” riffs on the classic Gingerbread Man tale. “Doggy Disco” imagines dogs dancing under the stars, and “Rā Whānau” pays tribute to birthdays for people and pets alike. Other tracks—“Hey Hedgehog,” “Spooky Forest,” “What do Diggers do all day?” and “Slow Animals”—invite listeners to consider nature, work, and the pace of life from a child’s perspective.
With Picnic Lunch, Sunreturn marks a significant entry into the children’s music market, while No Doggy! expands its reach beyond its established fan base. The event’s community‑centric approach and the inclusion of a local soul act underscore the band’s commitment to accessible, family‑friendly experiences.
The limited‑edition CD is now available for purchase, and the 8 August launch offers a chance to hear the songs performed live in an all‑ages setting that celebrates music, community, and childhood imagination.
No Doggy! is a four‑piece jangle‑pop outfit hailing from Tāmaki Makaurau. Stephen Hart, Anya Henis, Peter Smith and Nigel Wright bring a wealth of experience from New Zealand acts such as N. T. Honey, The Crabbs, The Brunettes and P.H.F. The group brands itself as a “kids music super team,” fusing catchy songwriting with musicianship that resonates with listeners of all ages.
Picnic Lunch arrives on a limited‑edition compact disc, released through Sunreturn, an independent Auckland label making its first foray into children’s music. The nine tracks were recorded live and then mixed and mastered at Ukaipō Studios by James Dansey of Āku Hapa, Chabs & Milky. Colourful artwork and a poster designed by Sophie Watson accompany the physical release, offering a visual treat that matches the album’s bright sound.
Doors open at noon in the centre’s step‑free indoor space, welcoming families and music lovers alike. Thee Golden Geese kick off the program at 12:30 pm, followed by No Doggy! at 1:30 pm. The schedule, designed for all‑ages audiences, includes free parking at Pratt Street Carpark or on Hepburn Street, a public bathroom, loud amplified music, and comfortable seating.
UnderTheRadar, the platform that promoted No Doggy!’s single “Grubby Buggy Buddies,” will back the launch. Attendees can download the event poster and access the album’s lyrics on Bandcamp before the show. The platform’s social‑media posts have highlighted the gathering’s community focus.
The album’s nine songs explore a range of child‑friendly themes. “Grubby Buggy Buddies” celebrates friendship, while “Running Raisin” riffs on the classic Gingerbread Man tale. “Doggy Disco” imagines dogs dancing under the stars, and “Rā Whānau” pays tribute to birthdays for people and pets alike. Other tracks—“Hey Hedgehog,” “Spooky Forest,” “What do Diggers do all day?” and “Slow Animals”—invite listeners to consider nature, work, and the pace of life from a child’s perspective.
With Picnic Lunch, Sunreturn marks a significant entry into the children’s music market, while No Doggy! expands its reach beyond its established fan base. The event’s community‑centric approach and the inclusion of a local soul act underscore the band’s commitment to accessible, family‑friendly experiences.
The limited‑edition CD is now available for purchase, and the 8 August launch offers a chance to hear the songs performed live in an all‑ages setting that celebrates music, community, and childhood imagination.