Tokyo in Tāmaki: Fusing Subcultures in the local gig scene

INTERVIEW | PUORO O AOTEAROA / LOCAL MUSIC

Written by Stella Roper (they/she) | @stellyvision | Arts Editor

Shaking up Tāmaki Makaurau’s gig scene, Kandi Cor3 is bringing global alt subcultures to local nightlife, no longer confined to niche internet forums. Kiwis can now experience international music and pop culture with a local twist. Starting up in 2024, with their debut gig ‘Kitty Rave’ last August, Kandi Cor3 has continued to both independently produce and collaborate on several alternative music and fashion centered events. In conversation with Kandi Cor3 founder Ruby (@kumyadoll), she sheds light on the beginnings and future plans for this budding community.

Introduced to anime as a kid by her “weeb dad”, Ruby was exposed to Japanese pop culture and media at a young age – “It was always on my radar.” Assigned to study Japan as part of a primary school research project, she was quickly swept up by the colourful Harajuku street fashion, never looking back since. With access to the wide web, she consumed content from J-fashion YouTubers such as Pixielocks, Lovelylor, and Mikan Mandarin - her obsession was only fuelled further. As she continues to explore the ever-expanding world of music and fashion subculture genres in Japan (there are many), Ruby’s tastes can’t help but evolve. As with most scenes, fashion is central. Beyond the loudly branded band-tees, variations of unique styling have become symbols of association for many music-based subcultures, distinguishing one fan from another.  With both utilised as mediums of self-expression (particularly in alternative spaces), music and fashion historically go hand in hand. 

When asked about the current state of the Japanese alternative subculture community in Tāmaki Makaurau, Ruby explains it’s a mixed bag, stating, “There’s not really a solid community here.” She explains that living in Aotearoa doesn’t prevent exposure to these subcultures due to many online resources and communities, however, in-person involvement is limited. With conventions such as Armageddon and Overload providing for the most part a judgment-free zone, the core focus on anime provides little connection for alternative Japanese music or fashion lovers in NZ. Having spent years consistently following overseas subculture-focused events like Subculture Party (USA), HEAV3N (USA) and Nitecawr (UK), her FOMO eventually became too much to bear. With a desire to create a space for the scene within her neighborhood, Ruby went on to found Kandi Cor3 (@kandicor3). 

Focused on building a safe space for “niche styles, hobbies, nerds and “dead” scenes from the past”, Ruby sees Kandi Cor3 as a nighttime convention for people to come together and share their love of subcultures. When planning Kandi Cor3 events, she explains how it’s often aligned with seasonal holidays, using them as a thematic anchor. ‘Cupid’, their most recent event, was timed alongside Valentine’s Day, with everything from the music to the fashion show curated around the theme of love. “One of the first brands we secured was Vina Of The Valley,” she says. “I felt this Japanese-based girly fashion label captured the Valentine’s aesthetic perfectly.”

Each event follows a similar process: theme first, then attuning collaborators and soundscapes to match. For instance, February’s ‘Gothic Masquerade’ leaned into darker influences, spotlighting Goth, Visual Kei, and J-rock genres.

In recent years, Ruby has noticed a shift in how people engage with Japanese subcultures. “I think it started during Covid lockdowns,” she reflects. “Everyone was stuck online, free to express themselves without fear of judgment. That’s when people really started exploring interests that used to be seen as ‘cringe.’” Her belief is that this moment sparked a new wave of interest in alternative fashion and music. “It’s had a lasting impact. The number of people wearing J-fashion or experimenting with alternative styles post-Covid has definitely grown. I think that’s a really good thing.”

Past events incorporated modelled runways, artist vendor stalls and entertainment from local musicians and performance artists – all with complete creative freedom. “Letting people be as creative as they want and having a space for that is so important to me. I would love to expand this in other avenues as well, but I’m sure we will get there eventually.” To get another perspective, I spoke with Tāmaki-based band Backshotz, seasoned regulars in the local gig scene and returning performers at several Kandi Cor3 events. When asked how their experience within this emerging community compares to more typical gigs, they offered a glowing review, highlighting the difference in atmosphere, audience, and creative freedom.

One of Backshotz’s vocalists, Ding, summed up the experience: “Real shit, they provide an experience and vibe that feels bigger than just a gig.” He recalled a standout moment from their Valentine’s set: “The runway platform they set up for ‘Cupid’ made that night,” explaining how it encouraged them to undertake a more theatrical performance, allowing for more involved crowd dynamics.

Guitarist and vocalist Varit reflected on the broader challenges of performing in Aotearoa as a band that doesn’t fit easily into the mainstream. “The focus here is on a lot of pop and hip-hop music, which doesn’t leave as much room for alternative musicians like us.”

Ariki, guitarist, background vocalist, and self-described “kinda manager” of the band, noted how “wholesome” both the organisers and attendees of Kandi Cor3 events have been. Reflecting on the pre-Covid scene, he shared: “I didn’t personally know of any spaces safe enough for this kind of personal expression.” He warmly added: “Out of all the events Backshotz have been part of, Kandi Cor3 are setting the bar for how to produce good shows and treat creatives. I’m really, really happy it exists.”

To wrap up our conversation, I asked Ruby what else 2025 has in store for Kandi Cor3. “Alongside the upcoming event we’ve just released, we’ve got a few more events in the works,” she teased. “I can’t say too much just yet, but let’s just say there’s some international involvement on the horizon - something that’s never been seen in New Zealand before!”

If you’re wondering where you can get your Kandi Cor3 fix, the newest event, ‘Weeaboo Weekend’ was announced for June 1st at Big Fan. The event will feature debuting DJ Alex Mizer and three local bands: Backshotz, Grapehouse and Hitokiri, their sets including originals and covers of J-rock, visual kei and anime covers.