WELCOME TO MUZAI RECORDS

MUZAI Records is a UK based independent record label, formed back in 2009 in Auckland New Zealand.

The drunken brainchild of two ex-pats from the North-East and North-West of England, the idea was to recreate the spirit of those punk and alternative labels of yesteryear.

Since its inception, the label has gone from cutting out CD covers and looking through their CD collection for spare jewel cases to releasing on vinyl, artbook, floppy disk and back again.

MUZAI Records for a time also championed a thriving all-ages scene in Auckland, running shows at The Basement Theatre, Mt. Eden Scout Hall and the odd house party in Parnell. If you were there, you know the ones.

The label relocated to the United Kingdom in 2015, and after a period of call center jobs, celebrated its 10th year of existence in 2019.

Surprisingly, having joked about surviving in the music industry, it has done just that.

Our Artists: The Heart of MUZAI

At MUZAI Records, the roster has always been a rag-tag collection of misfits, noise-makers, and poets who refuse to sit still. From the early Auckland days to the current UK chapter, the label has prided itself on signing acts that don't fit neatly into a single genre. Punk, post-punk, alt-rock, experimental, and the occasional unclassifiable racket—if it has spirit and something to say, it has a home here.

We don't chase trends, and we don't sign artists based on streaming numbers or social media clout. Instead, we look for that same drunken, DIY energy that sparked the label in the first place. Many of our artists have been with us for years, growing alongside the label, while others are newer discoveries that remind us why we started this in the first place.

Below you'll find a selection of the artists currently or historically associated with MUZAI Records. Each one brings something unique to the table, and we encourage you to explore their individual pages to hear their music and learn their stories.

• Colonel Troutman – A band that defies easy description, blending angular guitar work with a rhythm section that sounds like a collapsing building. Their live shows are legendary for their intensity.
• Dusker – Hailing from the darker end of the spectrum, Dusker crafts moody, atmospheric rock that draws from post-punk and shoegaze. Their releases are immersive experiences.
• Faux Machismo – Loud, fast, and unapologetically raw. Faux Machismo channels the spirit of classic hardcore punk with a modern twist. Not for the faint of heart.
• Flogging a Dead One Horse Town – With a name as long as their songs are short, this band delivers frantic, lo-fi punk that sounds like it was recorded in a basement (because it probably was).
• Friggen – Friggen brings a melodic sensibility to the roster, with catchy hooks buried under layers of fuzz and feedback. Their songwriting is deceptively clever.

This is by no means an exhaustive list—MUZAI has released music from dozens of acts over the years, and we're always adding new names. Check back often, or better yet, sign up for our mailing list to stay in the loop.

How We Work with Artists

MUZAI Records operates on a simple principle: we treat artists as partners, not products. From the very beginning, the label has been run by musicians and music fans, not corporate suits. That means we understand the challenges of being in a band, and we try to make the process as transparent and fair as possible.

When we sign an artist, we typically work on a release-by-release basis rather than locking anyone into a long-term contract. This gives both sides flexibility. We handle manufacturing, distribution, and promotion, while the artist retains creative control over their music and artwork. In many cases, we also help with booking shows and coordinating tours, especially for our UK-based acts.

Financially, we operate on a profit-share model. After recouping our direct costs (pressing, printing, etc.), the majority of revenue from sales goes back to the artist. We're not in this to get rich—we're in this to keep the music alive. That ethos has earned us the trust of our roster and has led to many long-term relationships.

We also encourage our artists to collaborate with each other. Over the years, we've seen members of different MUZAI bands form side projects, play on each other's records, and even swap members for tours. That sense of community is something we actively foster, whether through label showcases or just by introducing like-minded people.

From Auckland to the World: A Brief History of Our Roster

The early MUZAI roster was deeply tied to the Auckland all-ages scene. Bands like Colonel Troutman and Friggen cut their teeth at the same basement shows and scout hall gigs that the label helped organise. Those early releases were often handmade—CD-Rs with photocopied covers, sold for a few dollars at the merch table. It was a labour of love, and it set the tone for everything that followed.

When the label relocated to the UK in 2015, the roster naturally began to shift. Some Auckland-based artists continued to release music through MUZAI from afar, while new UK acts were brought into the fold. This transcontinental approach gave the label a unique identity: part Kiwi DIY, part British punk tradition. It also meant that our releases often had a foot in both worlds, with artists from opposite sides of the globe sharing split 7-inches or compilation tracks.

Today, the roster is more diverse than ever. We have artists working in everything from minimalist electronic music to full-throttle hardcore. What unites them is a certain attitude—a refusal to compromise, a willingness to experiment, and a deep respect for the DIY ethos. Whether they're playing to ten people in a pub or a thousand at a festival, our artists bring the same energy.

Supporting the Artists: What You Can Do

Independent labels like MUZAI survive because of the support of fans. If you discover an artist you love on our roster, there are several ways you can help them thrive. The most obvious is to buy their music—whether that's a vinyl record, a digital download, or a t-shirt. Every purchase directly supports the artist and the label.

But support goes beyond money. Coming to shows, sharing music with friends, and following artists on social media all make a difference. Word of mouth is still the most powerful marketing tool in independent music. If a MUZAI artist plays in your town, go see them—and bring a friend. Buy them a drink at the merch table. Tell them their set was great. These small gestures mean the world to musicians who often play to empty rooms.

We also encourage fans to get involved in the DIY scene themselves. Start a band, put on a show, start a zine, or just help out at your local venue. The spirit of MUZAI Records is built on the idea that anyone can participate in music culture, not just consume it. The more people who embrace that idea, the healthier the scene becomes for everyone.

The Future of the MUZAI Roster

As MUZAI Records moves into its second decade, we're more committed than ever to discovering and nurturing new talent. The music industry has changed dramatically since 2009—streaming, social media, and the decline of physical media have all posed challenges. But we believe that the core values of independent music remain as relevant as ever: authenticity, community, and a stubborn refusal to give up.

We're always on the lookout for new artists who share our vision. If you're in a band that thinks you'd fit in at MUZAI, we'd love to hear from you. We don't have a formal submission process—just send us a link to your music and a short note about who you are. We listen to everything, even if we can't reply to everyone. And who knows? You might just become the next name on our roster.

In the meantime, we'll keep doing what we've always done: releasing music we believe in, putting on shows, and supporting the artists who make it all possible. The future is uncertain, but that's always been part of the fun. Here's to another ten years of noise.