BIO

OUR STORY

Tourist are an internationally connected independent rock band from Aoteraoa New Zealand, known for their cinematic sound, emotionally charged songwriting and anthemic melodic rock style. Formed in the early 2000s, the band built an early reputation for powerful live performances and emotionally resonant songs that combined alternative rock energy with widescreen production and strong melodic identity.

Led by award nominated songwriter Peter James Rudd, Tourist developed from a national touring act into a band with genuine international reach - earning publishing representation in the United States, overseas radio airplay, film and television placements, and recognition in one of the world’s largest songwriting competitions.

Across more than two decades, Tourist have maintained a creative identity defined by emotional honesty, strong hooks and atmospheric, guitar-driven arrangements, positioning them as a distinctive voice within Aotearoa New Zealand’s independent rock landscape.

EARLY RELEASES (2002–2004)

The original quartet founded by Peter J Rudd (vocals, guitar) and Rob Ranger (bass) later recruited Scott Gamble (guitar) and featured several drummers across this era including Ben Doy, Malcolm Rodriguez and Simon de Vere.

Tourist first emerged with the Beginning of the World EP (2002), introducing a sound built on expansive guitars, melodic songwriting and emotionally direct lyricism.

One of the songs from the debut EP Picture Perfect was licensed for many years for the soundtrack to an extensive Television New Zealand and radio advertisement campaign for Mt Gabriel Christmas Trees.

However, it was the follow-up Do You Feel The Cold? EP (2004)  that marked the band’s breakthrough moment. 

The title track, supported with funding from the New Zealand government’s arts agency NZ On Air, held the #1 position on 95bFM’s Top 10  - one of New Zealand’s most influential tastemaker student radio stations. The single then featured on Radioscope charts with significant national airplay, playlisted on Kiwi FM (formerly Channel Z) and The Rock’s Off The Record show. 

The song was featured on NZ On Air Kiwi Hit Disc 66, a rare feat for an independent New Zealand artist. A music video filmed in the country’s capital city Wellington screened extensively on nationwide (and international) music TV programmes. The band performed the single live on Top of The Pops.

The following year Tourist were featured on an emerging artist compilation CD for the inaugural MUSEXPO conference held in Los Angeles, USA in May 2005. Subsequently, Do You Feel The Cold? received airplay on a number of radio stations across North America including KDLD Los Angeles, KEDJ Phoenix, KNRK Portland, WEQX Manchester, VT/Albany, NY and KROG Medford/Ashland. 

This momentum allowed the band crossover appeal across both alternative and mainstream audiences in New Zealand and overseas.

Rip It Up magazine reviewing the band’s sophomore EP noted ‘Tourist are a fresh New Zealand band that I have confidence in getting very big because they are so original.’

Real Groove Magazine reviewing the new release described the Do You Feel The Cold? EP as ‘a strong, self-released cluster of tracks displaying the musical abilities of the band and their natural ear for melody and composition.’

These achievements led to growing industry attention and set the foundation for the band’s international trajectory.

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNTION

Songwriting and frontman Peter James Rudd gained global recognition when he was selected as a finalist in the International Songwriting Competition (USA) in the Top Pop/Rock category for Do You Feel The Cold? from more than 15,000 entries worldwide, placing Tourist alongside emerging and established songwriters from across the global music industry.

Tourist’s early recordings quickly attracted international industry interest, leading to a publishing agreement with Los Angeles-based Heyday Media Group and opening pathways into overseas markets.

The band’s music reached international audiences through synchronisation placements in film and television, most notably the Hollywood feature film The Butterfly Effect 2, exposing Tourist’s sound to a global audience and strengthening their international profile.

MINUTES LAST FOR YEARS 

Tourist’s full-length album, Minutes Last For Years, marked a defining moment in the band’s artistic development and international positioning.

Produced by award winning producer Greg Haver, the album was recorded at Stir Studios in Cardiff, Wales. Haver is widely recognised for his work with major international artists including Manic Street Preachers, Melanie C (Spice Girls), Catatonia and Super Furry Animals, and has built a reputation for producing rock records across the UK and Europe.

Minutes Last For Years was recorded on Stir Studio's classic Trident TSM40 mixing desk. Together with its sister desk at Rockfield Studios in Wales the Trident has been used to record records from elite rock and pop artists including Oasis, Black Sabbath, Catatonia, The Charlatans, The Cult, The Damned, Happy Mondays, Manic Street Preachers, Portishead, Queen, Rush, Super Furry Animals, Stereophonics and The Stone Roses. 

Minutes Last For Years received strong critical attention for its combination of emotional depth and melodic strength. International music publication Melodic.net highlighted the album’s songwriting quality and atmospheric production, while New Zealand reviewers praised its “infectious melodic subtleties” and “stadium-ready anthems.”

During this period, Tourist were identified by the New Zealand Herald as “one of New Zealand’s top up-and-coming bands”, reflecting their growing momentum within the local industry and increasing international attention.

TOURING & LIVE REPUTATION

Tourist built their reputation through extensive touring across New Zealand and performances in the United Kingdom, developing a strong live following and a reputation for emotionally powerful performances.

The band has shared stages with internationally recognised artists including Snow Patrol, and performed alongside leading New Zealand acts including Goldenhorse, Pluto and Opshop. Their live shows became known for combining intensity, atmosphere and audience connection, helping build a loyal following and sustained industry credibility.

Tourist’s music has been supported by national television and radio exposure across New Zealand, alongside professionally produced music videos that contributed to the band’s visual identity. The band were finalists in the Juice TV Music Video Awards, recognising their creative output across both music and visual storytelling.

Their recordings and videos received regular broadcast support and contributed to their profile during their early breakthrough and subsequent releases. 

In 2010, Tourist released the single Find A Way To Fool Your Heart featuring new members Mark Stebben (Bass) and Matthew Barnett (Guitar) showcasing a refined sound direction while maintaining the melodic and emotional core that defined the band's earlier work.

A NEW CHAPTER

Following a period of hiatus, Tourist have returned with renewed creative focus, a refreshed lineup featuring Peter J Rudd (vocals, guitar), Hayz Berry (guitar), Dylan Hagan (drums) and a substantial body of new material. Their new material draws influence from modern alternative and melodic rock while maintaining the cinematic, emotionally driven sound that has defined their career.

With international publishing representation, global songwriting recognition, Hollywood film placement, UK recording history, acclaimed production partnerships and a decade of creative output, Tourist stand as one of New Zealand’s most enduring and internationally connected independent rock acts.

Now entering a new creative phase, the band combines a proven international track record with renewed artistic ambition, positioning Tourist for a significant next chapter in their career.