The Powder Chutes Story
Powder Chutes are an emerging rock band from Wanaka, on New Zealand’s South Island, producing original music taking classic rock, punk and 90’s grunge reference points as they chart their own route into melodic riff-laden sonic nirvana.
The band is made up of Archie Orbell (drums), Clarke West (guitar), Henry McConnell (vocals), and Otis Murphy (bass), all still currently school age, with only Archie having left to pursue an apprenticeship as a diesel mechanic.
Powder Chutes self-assurance, professionalism and musicality puts them firmly in the same company as more established bands and artists, and whilst their youth is a point of interest in a generally older musical landscape, they refuse to be defined by their age, letting their music, and live performances, speak for themselves.
The band began as Better Than Nothing, and have been together as the final line-up with Otis on bass since early 2019. They changed their name to Powder Chutes prior to releasing their debut EP across all major streaming platforms in January 2022, which in the 12 months following its release has achieved over 120,000 streams, and much critical acclaim.
Powder Chutes have fast gathered a fiercely loyal following and have acted as support to international acts such as ZZ Top, Pat Benatar, Stone Temple Pilots and The Angels in front of 18,000 people, as well as homegrown legends The Feelers, Dolphin Friendly, East York, Stellar, and up and coming noise merchants Pull Down The Sun.
During NZ Music Month 2023 Powder Chutes played gigs with East York, (support for Devilskin on their national tour), Mads Harrop and Saurian, as well as recording a live to air on Dunedin’s Radio One 91FM. They also performed at the YAMI Sounz Summit in Wanaka, which brings together a smorgasbord of music industry professionals and culminated in members of Powder Chutes playing with The Beths and Anika Moa.
The boys released their latest single ‘Moths To The Flames’ on 5th May, which entered the Hot 20 NZ Singles at #9, was voted #1730 on The Rock FM 2000, and is receiving major radio play.
It’s hard to beat this summary from 1964 Magazine (2022) who enthusiastically state that Powder Chutes are “loud, catchy, and just the sort of thing we need right now”.
Sweet noise pollution... groove-fueled grunge... Powder Chutes are electrifying, ambitious, and hungry… ignore them at your peril.
