Described by indie label Papaiti Records as a ‘wilted-pop Wellington five-piece’ centred around main songwriter Miles Sutton, Welcomer‘s Bandcamp brief reveals the band have ‘feet on the ground in Paris, Palmy, Pōneke and NYC’. Their song Ashing was included on NZ On Air Music’s  September NewTracks compilation.

The Welcomer line up is headed by Miles Sutton who provides guitars, synths and vocals; with Eddie Crawshaw (bass and vocals), Shannen Georgia Petersen (guitars, vocals), Zac Sutton (keys), and Ox Lennon on drums.

Whereabouts are the Welcomer band members all currently based?

Zac lives in New York, Shannen is back in Te Papaioea, Ox and Eddie are in Wellington, and I was living in Paris this past year. It’s not really a practice each week, play Wellington every other month type of project these days. Not in a bad way, just different. 

How is Paris living as an artistic choice?

It’s great. It’s possible to live cheaply and I’ve been lucky to make a few music friends and so on. I think there’s a nice work life balance culture in France. It’s also great to be able to get to cities like London and Marseille cheaply. 

How has the musical output evolved from the beginnings of Welcomer to now?

I’m always working to get better at songwriting so I hope that’s part of the story! There are also different things that I want out of music now that I’m a bit older. These days I just want to keep getting better at my thing and do it in a sustainable way. 

What’s been the big highlight to date?

There have been some nice moments, we’ve had a couple of SRN number ones and filled out a small venue or two in Wellington. We played a fun show in Paris this year. But the best bits are always just connecting with friends and making music. 

What made Ashing stand out for you as a single?

It has drums haha. And it’s a nice representation of things on the album: collaged, lyrics heavy and lo-fi. 

Aside from Youtube, what platforms can the song be found on?

Well I had this idea to release a ‘physical only ever’ album as an experiment. So right now it can only be found on cassette, Youtube or on the radio. The aim is to make the songs feel a little more valuable to the listener. The only issue is that now the cassettes are sold out. A few people have e-mailed asking to hear it though it and I’ve just sent through the masters. So maybe it’s a ‘physical only ever mostly’ album.

What is the story behind Ashing?

I’m one of those people who likes to leave songs open to the listener’s interpretation. Once it’s out there, your guess is as good as mine!

What’s your favourite moment, musical or lyrical, of the single?

It was fun playing viola, it’s an instrument that I only get to play around with if I have the time. I like that it sort of duets with the synth towards the start of the song. In terms of lyrics, I like the one about The Dowse. 

Who did you record/produce the single with?

I mixed and mastered this one myself. I don’t know if it’s a fun story, but I dropped the hard drive with the session files on it during the process, which stopped me going back and changing anything. The upside is that it stopped me from my usual endless tinkering. I’m also better at backing things up now! 

Who else is in your team?

My friend James Stuteley who runs Papaiti Records is definitely on the team. He’s probably like the coach. Our small audience is definitely on the team. Jesse Austin-Stewart who I’ve been working with on our upcoming album, he’s on the team for sure, that’s my guy. He’s probably on defence. Actually he’s probably doing defence and offence – a very talented and hardworking musician. 

There’s a Welcomer album expected this year right?

It’ll be 2026, we’re just getting everything in order. It’s 10 songs and the best thing we’ve made so far. I’m looking forward to putting it out there. 

Can you please name three other local tunes that would fit well on a playlist alongside your song. 

I’d be stoked if we found ourselves next to songs like:
Womb – One Is Always Heading Something
School Fair – A Torn Moon Mended
Lontalius – I’ll Be The Rain

Has Welcomer received NZ On Air funding for this or other releases?

Not for this song. We received New Music Single funding for Nothing Of You Remaining during 2024, and in June 2025 got funding for another single called Impossible.

Are there any musical blogs or podcasts you’re into?

I listen to a few music podcasts. I enjoy That’s How I Remember It by Craig Finn who is a songwriter that I admire. His episode with Dan Wriggins of Friendship is a recent highlight. On the NZ front, I’ve enjoyed Fear, Guilt and Agriculture which is hosted by Oscar who used to play in Rackets. The interview with Liz Stokes is super interesting. 
I don’t read many music blogs but I have a few writers who I follow like Ian Cohen who writes well about emo. 

How can we find you on social media?

Instagram
Facebook
Substack

Who did you compile the video with? Is there messaging within it or simply a travel diary of some description? 

The footage was filmed in France, Ireland, Poland and Scotland during Welcomer’s European tour in mid-2025. My partner Bena and I made it. She’s a great artist with an excellent eye. For me there are thematic connections to the lyrics. I also like how it’s a collage which matches the collaged sounds in the music. I suppose you could also watch it like a travel diary. I didn’t think about it like that at the time because we were just recording everyday moments, but sure! 

Any last words?

Thank you!