Lil' Chief Records is a boutique New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...

 based indie pop

Indie pop

Indie pop is a genre of alternative rock music that originated in the United Kingdom in the mid 1980s, with its roots in the Scottish post-punk bands on the Postcard Records label in the early '80s, such as Orange Juice, Josef K and Aztec Camera, and the dominant UK independent band of the mid...

 record label

Record label

In the music industry, a record label is a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. Most commonly, a record label is the company that manages such brands and trademarks, coordinates the production, manufacture, distribution, marketing and promotion,...

 which was formed in 2002. It operates out of the Auckland

Auckland

The Auckland metropolitan area , in the North Island of New Zealand, is the largest and most populous urban area in the country with residents, percent of the country's population. Auckland also has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world...

 suburb of Kingsland. The aesthetic of the label tends towards 60s influenced pop

Pop music

Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...

. All the releases have been characterised by lush production, vocal harmonies, strong melodies and a wide variety of instrumentation. Key influences include The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys are an American rock band, formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California. The group was initially composed of brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. Managed by the Wilsons' father Murry, The Beach Boys signed to Capitol Records in 1962...

, The Beatles

The Beatles

The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...

, The Kinks

The Kinks

The Kinks were an English rock band formed in Muswell Hill, North London, by brothers Ray and Dave Davies in 1964. Categorised in the United States as a British Invasion band, The Kinks are recognised as one of the most important and influential rock acts of the era. Their music was influenced by a...

 and Wings

Wings (band)

Wings were a British-American rock group formed in 1971 by Paul McCartney, Denny Laine and Linda McCartney that remained active until 1981....

, as well as classic New Zealand bands like The Chills

The Chills

The Chills are a guitar and keyboard-based rock band from Dunedin, New Zealand. In the 1980s and 1990s, they were one of the proponents of the Dunedin Sound.- History :...

, Sneaky Feelings

Sneaky Feelings

Sneaky Feelings were a 1980s New Zealand pop/rock band, led by Matthew Bannister, who recorded on the Flying Nun label. Initially recording with the line-up of Bannister , David Pine , Kat Tyrie and Martin Durrant , Tyrie was replaced by John Kelcher early in the band's career...

 and Bressa Creeting Cake

Bressa Creeting Cake

Bressa Creeting Cake is a New Zealand rock band, active during the 1990s.The band, originally named Breast Secreting Cake, formed in Auckland around 1991 around the nucleus of Edmund Cake, Geoff Maddock and Joel Wilton. Edmund, Geoff and Joel had played together on songs while they were at school,...

.

Complete discography

Artist	Title	Catalog Number	Year
Albums
The Brunettes The Brunettes The Brunettes are an indie pop or twee pop group from New Zealand formed in 1998. The band consists of core members Jonathan Bree and Heather Mansfield with additional contributions from part-time band members including James Milne , Ryan McPhun , Harry Cundy, and most recently,...	Holding Hands, Feeding Ducks Holding Hands, Feeding Ducks Holding Hands, Feeding Ducks is the first full-length album released by twee pop group The Brunettes. It was released in 2002 as a joint release between Lil' Chief Records and EMI New Zealand.-Track listing:All songs written by Jonathan Bree....	LCR 001	2002
The Brunettes The Brunettes The Brunettes are an indie pop or twee pop group from New Zealand formed in 1998. The band consists of core members Jonathan Bree and Heather Mansfield with additional contributions from part-time band members including James Milne , Ryan McPhun , Harry Cundy, and most recently,...	The Boyracer e.p. The Boyracer e.p. The Boyracer e.p. is the second EP by The Brunettes. It was released in 2003 on Lil' Chief Records.-Track listing:# "Boyracer" – 3:22# "Lovers Park" – 3:00# "Vaudeville" – 3:24# "I Miss My Coochie Coo" – 3:10# "Don't neglect Your Pet" – 3:03...	LCR 002	2003
The Tokey Tones The Tokey Tones The Tokey Tones are a band led by Scott Mannion, formerly of Auckland indie pop bands Polaar and Plasticene. The Tokey Tones are primarily a studio-based band, the other long-time key member being Li-Ming Hu, who is more widely known for her role as Li- Mei on the long running New Zealand soap...	Caterpillar Caterpillar (Tokey Tones album) Caterpillar is the first of two simultaneous releases by The Tokey Tones, released by Lil' Chief Records in 2003. The cover art for both albums was designed by noted Auckland artist Tanya Thompson, otherwise known as Misery...	LCR 003	2003
The Tokey Tones The Tokey Tones The Tokey Tones are a band led by Scott Mannion, formerly of Auckland indie pop bands Polaar and Plasticene. The Tokey Tones are primarily a studio-based band, the other long-time key member being Li-Ming Hu, who is more widely known for her role as Li- Mei on the long running New Zealand soap...	Butterfly Butterfly (Tokey Tones album) Butterfly is the second of two simultaneous releases by The Tokey Tones, released by Lil' Chief Records in 2003. The cover art for both albums was designed by noted Auckland artist Tanya Thompson, otherwise known as Misery....	LCR 004	2003
The Nudie Suits The Nudie Suits The Nudie Suits are a New Zealand band based around the trio of Mark Lyons and sisters Dionne Taylor and Tam Taylor . They began their career in Auckland but relocated to Melbourne for a few years in the early 00s...	Songbook Songbook (Nudie Suits album) Songbook is the first album from Auckland band The Nudie Suits. It was recorded between 1999 - 2000 on a Fostex R8 8-track recorder in St. Kevins Arcade, Auckland.-Track listing:#"Up The Buhi" – 2:56#"Travellin' Library" – 3:24...	LCR 005	2003
Edmund Cake Edmund Cake Edmund Cake is the pseudonym of Edmund McWilliams, a one time member of Flying Nun Records band Bressa Creeting Cake and a noted producer and engineer...	Downtown Puff Downtown Puff Although Downtown Puff was released as a solo project, it represents a multitude of musical collaborations, including Anna Coddington as well as Neil Finn and Tim Finn. Two of the other collaborators were Geoff Maddock and Joel Wilton, the other sides of the creative triangle which made up the...	LCR 006	2004
The Brunettes The Brunettes The Brunettes are an indie pop or twee pop group from New Zealand formed in 1998. The band consists of core members Jonathan Bree and Heather Mansfield with additional contributions from part-time band members including James Milne , Ryan McPhun , Harry Cundy, and most recently,...	Mars Loves Venus Mars Loves Venus Mars Loves Venus is the second full-length album by The Brunettes. It was released in 2004 on Lil' Chief Records.-Track listing:# "Mars Loves Venus" – 2:25# "Loopy Loopy Love" – 2:44# "Polyester Meets Acetate" – 3:56# "Too Big for Gidget" – 3:18...	LCR 007	2004
Shaft Shaft (New Zealand band) Shaft is the now long-standing vehicle of prominent songwriter Bob Cardy , original guitarist for legendary band The Axemen and a stalwart of the New Zealand underground scene...	Open Sesame Open Sesame (Shaft album) Open Sesame is the first full-length album by Shaft. It was released in 2004 on Lil' Chief Records, although a number of the songs featured had been in the band's live set for almost a decade. The band played a show to support the launch of the album in which an attempt was made to feature as many...	LCR 008	2004
Alec Bathgate Alec Bathgate Alec Bathgate is a New Zealand musician who was a key member of The Enemy and Toy Love, as well as being one half of Flying Nun Records act Tall Dwarfs alongside Chris Knox. As well as playing guitar in these bands, he has released two solo albums....	The Indifferent Velvet Void The Indifferent Velvet Void The Indifferent Velvet Void is only the second full-length solo album by Alec Bathgate, despite a long career as one half of Tall Dwarfs and co-founder of legendary New Zealand punk bands The Enemy and Toy Love...	LCR 009	2004
The Brunettes The Brunettes The Brunettes are an indie pop or twee pop group from New Zealand formed in 1998. The band consists of core members Jonathan Bree and Heather Mansfield with additional contributions from part-time band members including James Milne , Ryan McPhun , Harry Cundy, and most recently,...	When Ice Met Cream When Ice Met Cream When Ice Met Cream is an EP released by The Brunettes. It was released 2005 on Lil' Chief Records.-Track listing:# "When Ice Met Cream" - 3:19# "Pink Ribbons" - 2:27# "Hulk is Hulk" - 3:21# "The Ace of Space" - 2:31# "The Outsider" - 2:37...	LCR 010	2005
The Ruby Suns The Ruby Suns The Ruby Suns are an indie/pop group from New Zealand. They formed in 2004 when Californian Ryan McPhun moved to Auckland and started playing in several bands such as The Brunettes and The Tokey Tones.-Biography:...	The Ruby Suns The Ruby Suns (album) The Ruby Suns is the first full-length album released by the New Zealand based band The Ruby Suns. The band was originally called Ryan McPhun & The Ruby Suns and the album was released with this title in New Zealand on Lil' Chief Records...	LCR 011	2005
Various artists	Now We Are Three!!! Now We Are Three!!! Now We Are Three!!! is a compilation album released by the New Zealand based label Lil' Chief Records in 2005. It features a track from each of the label's releases up until that point. The album was sold by The Brunettes on the 2005 USA tour with The Shins and Rilo Kiley. through the Sub Pop...	LCR 012	2005
The Nudie Suits The Nudie Suits The Nudie Suits are a New Zealand band based around the trio of Mark Lyons and sisters Dionne Taylor and Tam Taylor . They began their career in Auckland but relocated to Melbourne for a few years in the early 00s...	Sweetacres Sweetacres Sweetacres is the second album from Auckland band The Nudie Suits. It was recorded between 2004 - 2005 in Melbourne, Australia and in Auckland.-Track listing:#"Inheriting The Stereo" – 2:44#"Cabin Blues" – 2:48#"Harangue" – 2:43#"Sweetacres" – 4:03...	LCR 013	2006
The Reduction Agents The Reduction Agents The Reduction Agents are a New Zealand band fronted by James Milne, who also records under the name Lawrence Arabia. In 2006 the band released their debut album The Dance Reduction Agents, as well as Milne releasing his debut solo album, Lawrence Arabia...	The Dance Reduction Agents The Dance Reduction Agents The Dance Reduction Agents is the debut album from New Zealand band The Reduction Agents. It was written and produced by James Milne, who also creates music under the pseudonym Lawrence Arabia. It was released simultaneously with the debut Lawrence Arabia album. Both albums were co-released by...	LCR 014	2006
Lawrence Arabia Lawrence Arabia Lawrence Arabia is the musical guise of New Zealand artist James Milne. In 2006, Lawrence Arabia released his self titled debut album and the debut album his band The Reduction Agents, The Dance Reduction Agents...	Lawrence Arabia Lawrence Arabia (album) Lawrence Arabia is the debut album from Lawrence Arabia, the pseudonym for New Zealand musician James Milne. It was released simultaneously with The Dance Reduction Agents, the debut album from Milne's other musical act, The Reduction Agents...	LCR 015	2006
Voom Voom (band) Voom are a New Zealand band based in Auckland, based around the songwriting of Buzz Moller. The original lineup consisted of Moller, as well as Danny Manetto and Mac Macaskill. The band has been a staple of Auckland student radio for may years, and has had a number of student radio hits including ...	Hello, Are You There? Hello, Are You There? Hello, Are You There? is the second album from Voom, and their first for Lil' Chief Records. It was released in 2006.-Track listing:# "Beautiful Day" – 2:54# "B Your Boy" – 3:15# "Feel" – 2:18# "Ride Of Your Life" – 1:35# "King Kong" – 3:15...	LCR 016	2006
Shugo Tokumaru Shugo Tokumaru is a Japanese singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, who debuted in May 2004 in America with his album Night Piece. He creates every aspect of his music, including the lyrics, music, arrangements, recording and mixing. He is known for the variety of instruments he uses in his music, using...	L.S.T. L.S.T. L.S.T. is the second album from Japanese multi-instrumentalist Shugo Tokumaru. It has been released in Japan, France and New Zealand.-Track listing:#"Mist" – 3:27#"Mushina" – 4:06#"Mizukagami" – 4:01#"Karte" – 2:08#"Kiiro" – 4:00#"Vista" – 4:00...	LCR 017	2006
Shaft Shaft (New Zealand band) Shaft is the now long-standing vehicle of prominent songwriter Bob Cardy , original guitarist for legendary band The Axemen and a stalwart of the New Zealand underground scene...	Down At Your Life Down at Your Life Down At Your Life is the second full-length album by Shaft. It was released in 2006 on Lil' Chief Records.-Track listing:All tracks by RJ Cardy# "My Favourite Story" – 2:53# "Down At Your Life" – 2:56# "Inside" – 4:51# "Our Blue Hell" – 2:55...	LCR 018	2006
The Brunettes The Brunettes The Brunettes are an indie pop or twee pop group from New Zealand formed in 1998. The band consists of core members Jonathan Bree and Heather Mansfield with additional contributions from part-time band members including James Milne , Ryan McPhun , Harry Cundy, and most recently,...	Structure & Cosmetics Structure & Cosmetics Structure & Cosmetics is the third album by New Zealand band The Brunettes, and their first album to be released on Sub Pop in the USA. The album was released on 30 July 2007 in New Zealand on Lil' Chief Records and on August 7, 2007 in North America....	LCR 019	2007
The Ruby Suns The Ruby Suns The Ruby Suns are an indie/pop group from New Zealand. They formed in 2004 when Californian Ryan McPhun moved to Auckland and started playing in several bands such as The Brunettes and The Tokey Tones.-Biography:...	Lichen Ears EP Lichen Ears EP Lichen Ears is an EP by New Zealand band The Ruby Suns, featuring a number of songs from the same sessions that produced the band's 2008 album Sea Lion. It was released in 2007 exclusively on Auckland's Lil' Chief Records as a limited pressing of 300 copies.-Track listing:-External links:***...	LCR 020	2007
The Ruby Suns The Ruby Suns The Ruby Suns are an indie/pop group from New Zealand. They formed in 2004 when Californian Ryan McPhun moved to Auckland and started playing in several bands such as The Brunettes and The Tokey Tones.-Biography:...	Sea Lion Sea Lion (album) -Release details:-External links:***...	LCR 021	2008
Little Pictures	Owl + Owl	LCR 022	2008
Pie Warmer	The Fearsome Feeling	LCR 023	2009
The Brunettes The Brunettes The Brunettes are an indie pop or twee pop group from New Zealand formed in 1998. The band consists of core members Jonathan Bree and Heather Mansfield with additional contributions from part-time band members including James Milne , Ryan McPhun , Harry Cundy, and most recently,...	The Red Rollerskates E.P.	LCR 024	2009
The Brunettes The Brunettes The Brunettes are an indie pop or twee pop group from New Zealand formed in 1998. The band consists of core members Jonathan Bree and Heather Mansfield with additional contributions from part-time band members including James Milne , Ryan McPhun , Harry Cundy, and most recently,...	Paper Dolls	LCR 025	2009
The Gladeyes	Psychosis of Love	LCR 026	2009
The Ruby Suns The Ruby Suns The Ruby Suns are an indie/pop group from New Zealand. They formed in 2004 when Californian Ryan McPhun moved to Auckland and started playing in several bands such as The Brunettes and The Tokey Tones.-Biography:...	Fight Softly Fight Softly Fight Softly is the third full-length album released by the New Zealand based band The Ruby Suns.-Track listing:-Release details:...	LCR 027	2010
Pikchunes	Pikachunes	LCR 028	2010
The Eversons	The Eversons E.P.	LCR 029	2011
Princess Chelsea	Lil' Golden Book	LCR 030	2011
The Gladeyes	Shadows Explode	LCR 031	2011
Wet Wings	Glory Glory	LCR 032	2011
Other
Various Artists	Greetings From New Zealand Greetings From New Zealand Greetings From New Zealand is a promotional CD produced by the New Zealand based label Lil' Chief Records in 2007. It features tracks from almost all of the label's releases up until 2008...	LCR PROMO 001	2007