Rooster Records is a label born in the underground doof scene of Tākaka and the wider Mohua region. Bringing together a range of sounds that have influenced them all, they are taking on the task of platforming Aotearoa artists and will be joining the festival this year for a stage takeover/label showcase!

What is Rooster Records and how did it start?

Rooster Records started from the most humble, chaotic, absolutely perfect beginnings you can imagine: late-night hip hop recording sessions in Amy’s lounge, a couple of questionable sleep schedules, and the shared realisation that we were surrounded by a thriving underground scene full of artists who deserved a platform.

Between a collective desire to create music, be what we wanna see, rap in the lounge, and an obsession for phat kiwi sound system culture, the Roosters flock formed itself.

We started as a hip hop label but quickly expanded as the wider vision became clear: Aotearoa is overflowing with underground talent across genres, and we wanted to create a stepping-stone label that could give artists a leg up. We look after the flock, keep everyone fed, and when the Rooster crows, it means something fresh is on the way. We’re here for the underground hip hop and bass culture of Aotearoa, and for the community that raised us. Rooster Records is run by: Amy (Soulfire), Jamie (Punga), Ryan (Moose), and Taine (Bulla)

What would you say is the Rooster Records sound?

We’re purveyors of good sound, simple as that. Our sonic identity is rooted in sound system culture, the top of the south valley doofs, Roots Bar energy, and the unique flavour of Cobb Valley bass lovers and hip hop heads.

If you really want to visualise it: imagine Tūīs in the distance, two people arguing about how to set up a tent, and Corey freestyling into your ear while you’re trying to have a normal conversation.

It’s diverse, but the vibe is always love, community, and that unmistakable Aotearoa underground pulse.

You’ve had some big single releases this year, what’s coming up next? And what do you look for in an artist?

We’re absolutely stacked for the coming months. The big one: NZG Massive Vol. 1 drops this December: Aotearoa flavoured garage from some of the top producers in the country. We’ve also got upcoming releases from Tobias Glitch (including a release party mid-Jan), a Hip Hop VA cassette release, a stomping DnB VA for next year, and more bubbling away (vinyl included - shhh).

For 2026 we’re already scheming a multi-artist NZ bass EP and more projects already in motion.

As for artists, we want people who put in the mahi. Driven creators with a sound they believe in, who are ready to take that next step between bedroom producer and established artist. We vibe with passion, authenticity, and music that we believe other people will be feeling too. It’s about opportunity, high standards, and giving the underground artists of Aotearoa a place to stand.

If you’re making heaters: send us your tunes: bigroostertings@gmail.com

How have you found entering the label world compared to running events?

It’s a whole different game! Challenging, exciting, and incredibly rewarding. We’re honoured to be trusted with music from artists we’re fans of ourselves. None of us knew everything going in, but our diverse skill sets slot together perfectly, and we’ve learned heaps by doing the mahi side by side.

Seeing artists grow, seeing our community expand, and feeling the momentum build… it really feels “meant to be.” It’s been a special year. Expect more events coming to a henhouse near you in 2026

What’s the plan for the Twisted Frequency takeover?

Two takeovers, two flavours, full Rooster power.

The electronic takeover: a stacked lineup of producers from our roster dropping unreleased tracks, big blends, bassweight, and maybe a cheeky MC cameo.

The hip hop takeover: breaking brand new artists, multi-collabs, full crew energy, and a proper show that represents where we came from.

In short: Absolutely Badman Rooster. Greatness incoming.

What are you most looking forward to about Twisted?

Showcasing all the talent we’ve worked with this year and getting the valley moving. Twisted is the pinnacle. New Year’s in the kōawa, massive sound systems, high times, discovering new artists, and seeing the whole motu’s creativity in one place. It’s a celebration of Aotearoa music culture, and we can’t wait.

Favourite Twisted memory?

Hard to choose! Twisted is pure magic and if you’ve been, you know. But a standout was seeing Mihihea & TR pop out last year at the Beat Bach shouting out Rooster Records with the whole crew in attendance. Those moments where community, music, and madness line up just right, that’s the stuff.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Don’t be a square. Send us your music: bigroostertings@gmail.com

Cop some merch: roosterrecords.co.nz

And keep supporting the underground! This whole thing works because of the community behind it.