New Zealand supergroup Atomic launches nationwide tour celebrating women in music

New Zealand femme‑rock supergroup Atomic, led by vocalist and musical director Julia Deans, is touring major cities in August. The lineup features prominent New Zealand musicians Boh Runga, Dianne Swann, Vera Ellen and Jazmine Mary, backed by an all‑female band of Karen Hu (drums), Rebel Reid (guitar), Louisa Nicklin (bass) and Ilayda Tunali (keys).

The tour includes shows in Christchurch (13 August), Wellington (14 August) and Auckland (15 August) at the Town Hall, where the female string quartet Through The Looking Glass will open. The concerts aim to celebrate women’s contributions to music, performing a setlist that spans artists such as Blondie, The B‑52s, Madonna, The Pretenders, Kate Bush and Mazzy Star.