ATOMIC Returns This Month – Announces Auckland Support Act
ATOMIC Returns This Month – Announces Auckland Support Act
August 5th, 2026
Led by powerhouse vocalist and Musical Director Julia Deans, Atomic brings together a who’s-who of Aotearoa’s most celebrated musicians for a high-voltage celebration of women in music.
This all-star lineup features Boh Runga, Dianne Swann, Vera Ellen and Jazmine Mary, backed by an all-femme band: Karen Hu (drums), Rebel Reid (guitar), Louisa Nicklin (bass), and Ilayda Tunali (keys).
Together, they take on an iconic catalogue spanning generations – from Blondie to The b52s, Madonna to The Pretenders, Kate Bush, Mazzy Star and more – reimagined with the kind of energy only this lineup can deliver.
“Atomic is about celebrating the artists who shaped us – and doing it together, on our own terms. It’s powerful, it’s joyful, and it’s loud,” says Julia Deans.
“There’s something magic about this group of wāhine on stage – the connection, the musicianship, the sheer fun of it,” adds Boh Runga.
Adding to the Auckland celebration, Through The Looking Glass will open the Town Hall show on Saturday 15 August.
The funky, punky string quartet features four feisty female instrumentalists whose careers have taken them from Europe’s grandest concert halls with leading symphony orchestras to collaborations with artists including Hugh Jackman, Lauryn Hill, Tami Neilson, Teeks and Kanye West. With a repertoire that blends classical precision with a rock ‘n’ roll heart, they’ll set the perfect tone before Atomic takes the stage.
Featuring:
Rachel Wells – Cello
Sarah Spence – Cello
Jess Hindin – Violin
Peau Halapua – Violin
More than a concert, Atomic is a full-throttle tribute to the past, present and future of women in music – a show that invites audiences to sing, dance and lose themselves in a monster setlist of era-defining songs.
With the tour now just days away, tickets are selling fast.
Thursday 13 August – James Hay Theatre, Christchurch
http://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/event/24006496B1093691
Friday 14 August – Opera House, Wellington
https://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/event/24006495ABC82D94
Saturday 15 August – Town Hall, Auckland (with special guests Through The Looking Glass)
https://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/event/24006495A70C2AB3
Bring your dancing shoes. Atomic is ready to blow the roof off.
Check out all things ATOMIC below:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Julia Deans, Musical Director – Having first come to the fore as the sassy and beguiling front woman for Fur Patrol at the turn of the century, Julia is Aotearoa’s crowned rock artist She has earned her a swag of nominations for coveted musical accolades the Taite Music Prize, the APRA Silver Scroll, and the NZ Music Awards.Never shy to add another string to her bow, Deans has delved into a long list of other musical projects over the years. She’s worked with acts like The Adults, SJD, and Neil Finn; performed in an impressive array of arts festival shows; stretched her dramatic chops in musical theatre; and worked with the Auckland Philharmonia and Christchurch Symphony Orchestras. In 2020 she was invited to be the Musical Director of the prestigious The Silver Scroll Awards show.
Boh Runga – As the front woman for Stellar* Boh became a multi-platinum artist with the release of their debut album, Mix. After the release of a solo album, she was back to writing new music, this time in an all-girl group with Anika Moa & Hollie Smith. While jewellery is her main gig now, Boh still regularly tours with the much loved and celebrated Stellar*
Dianne Swann – Playing live to 100,000 people. Signing to two international labels.Recording with Radiohead. Having a track chosen as NME single of the week.These are just some of the highlights of Dianne’s career as a vocalist, songwriter, and performer.Demand for Dianne’s musical talents soared, touring and performing with the likes of Tim Finn, Opshop as well as fellow Hall of Famers, Dave McArtneyand Straitjacket Fits.Inducted into the Aotearoa Music Hall of Fame in 2021, Dianne has just finished a Summer Tour with the iconic When the Cat’s Away.
Vera Ellen – Vera Ellen is a critically acclaimed, award-winning singer-songwriter from Aotearoa (New Zealand), known for her melodic, introspective indie-rock, she has won the coveted Taite Music Prize and ‘Best Alternative Artist’ at theAotearoa Music Awards.She opened a 10-date arena tour of Australia as the support act for Crowded House and is currently supporting Aldous Harding’s UK/European Tour
Jazmine Mary – Captivating Noir Folk artist Jazmine Mary is “rising into our collective consciousness as a star, as an artist to be reckoned with, as a creative force”. They crack open the beauty and ugliness of the world with a voice that critics are calling “truly a wonder”. Jazmine has opened for Kurt Vile and Billy Bragg to name a few. They are also a nominee for the coveted Taite Music Prize for 2026 “manages to be funny, erotic, off-putting and touching all at once.” – RNZ
Llayda Tunali, Keys – A classically trained pianist, had been an active musician for over a decade in her two hometowns New York and Istanbul before moving to Aotearoa in 2023. Since her move, she has performed at the Silver Scrolls and has been the keys player of legendary Kiwi artist Ladyhawke
Rebel Reid, Valkyrie – Lead Guitar -The songwriter, producer, and guitarist, puts her heart and soul into every project she’s a part of. Rebel Reid is a true rockstar, a force of nature whose music is like nothing else out there.
Louisa Nicklin – Bass – Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist Louisa Nicklin is a performer who transcends the singer-songwriter label. A finalist in the 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards Alternative Artist, Louisa is also a sought-after collaborator and performer on peers’ musical projects.Previous associations and collabs have included artists Dimme, DC Maxwell, Jazmine Mary, Mermaidens. Louisa has also opened for Julia Jacklin, MJ Lederman, Bright Eyes and Steve Gunn.
Karen Hu – Drums – A drummer, cellist and composer based in Tāmaki Makaurau. She performs in a variety of settings and has played with various artists, including Bic Runga and members of Supergroove among others. Karen studied at the University of Auckland Jazz School under Chris O’Connor and Ron Samsom