Updating the May 14 news item below: Christchurch indie act There’s A Tuesday has been selected for the 2025 Seoul Residency, allowing the band to spend 10 days working and performing in South Korea’s capital city.
The Asia New Zealand Foundation has announced that Nat Hutton, Minnie Robberds, Gus Murray and Joel Becker will be based in Seoul from July 30 to August 10, There’s A Tuesday’s submission standing out with their dreamy indie pop sound and thoughtful approach to songwriting.
“We applied thinking there was no way we’d get it, but being chosen for the Seoul Residency is a complete dream,” the band says. “We’ve been calling each other at random times just to chat about how excited we are – the opportunity to play our music to new crowds in countries far from home is what There’s A Tuesday has forever dreamed of.”
Multi-purpose Tāmaki Makaurau music space BIG FAN is offering a Seoul Residency, an exciting new initiative that will see one Aotearoa-based band or artist (who perform with a band) heading to Seoul for a week of recording, performing, and industry connection.
Arranged in partnership with Asia New Zealand Foundation and South Korea’s CJ Cultural Foundation, this one week residency is best suited to bands or artists working across indie-adjacent genres such as indie rock, dream pop, alt-pop, lo-fi, or folk. Applications are now open and close at 10am on Friday 16 May, so there’s no time to waste.
The Seoul Residency will take place from 30 July to 10 August 2025, which includes studio time and a live performance at CJ Azit, a renowned venue and creative hub in Seoul. Applicants must be 18 or over, be NZ citizens or permanent residents, and have original music released, recorded, or performed within the past year. The package includes return flights and accommodation, travel insurance and visa costs, and a contribution toward transport, food and entertainment.
“This is an incredible opportunity for a band from Aotearoa to expand their reach, grow their audience, and connect with one of the most exciting music scenes in the world,” says Big Fan General Manager Savina Fountain. “In today’s landscape, it’s vital that we create pathways for Aotearoa artists to reach global audiences. CJ Cultural Foundation’s philosophy strongly aligns with Big Fan’s kaupapa, and we’re excited to bring this partnership to life in Seoul.”