A Dirty Dozen with NAT REID from LIBBIANSKI – December 2025

According to a recent press release: “Emerging from the vibrant Aotearoa shoegaze scene, Libbianski are charting a new chapter with their forthcoming EP EP1, due for release on December 5, 2025 via their home imprint Over The Hill Records. The new collection, self-recorded and produced by the band in their home studio, captures the raw DIY essence of their evolving three-piece lineup — and marks the next step in a journey that’s been gaining underground acclaim since their 2024 debut, Useless Splendour.” We get bassist Nat to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

From coming back together as a 3-piece we all agreed to draw some blood and head down the DIY ethos path, so I think a listener with a good ear might be able to pick up on a few things the second time round. There’s definitely some nuggets, whether or not they’ve been deliberately left there is another thing.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

Probably the same old story that a lot of musos say, parents and family influences. Growing up listening to all sorts of stuff made music exciting but I don’t think I actually wanted to be a musician, just being able to have a creative hobby has been enough for me (boring!).

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

Call me a cowboy but it’ s Willie Nelson for sure, that old man still kicking it and has the most impressive back catalogue. Otherwise a heap of other Kiwi music growing up has been pretty influential (Garageland, The D4, 8 Foot Sativa, The Coolies).

4. If you could call ll in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

I’m assuming I can practice necromancy and bring someone from the dead. Sean Bonniwell. He’s one of those low key 1960s dark horses with a real interesting style of songwriting. His band The Music Machine were pretty ahead of their time, that real early proto-punk sound. I’d be a sponge and give him the reigns I reckon.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour? What do you like to do to unwind?

Spending money!!!! On absolute shite. That and be at the pub chewing someone’s ear off.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

It’s a bit shoegaze and a bit grungy, there’s a mix of elements that brings together some 90s and current alternative tunes. We’ve heard a bit of Fleshwater and Trauma Ray in there but nothing cringe yet… please let us know.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Haha I will tell you now I am outside smoking durries and leaving the team to it. We’re pretty independent though, no one has 1 role just to be a tidy Kiwi!

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

Never! Yeah sometimes it’s nice seeing an artist who never makes down to NZ here but they’re just a regular human ya know.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

Being able to write music that people enjoy, you raaarely get that satisfaction from a 9-5 job. If I couldn’t be a muso I’m sure that I’d find another creative outlet, knitting is fun but dream job would be an international spy agent.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I always appreciate getting questions about NZ music or local scenes, it’s nice to hype other bands! “What’s some great recent NZ music finds?” -> Auckland’s Cold Ceiling – I must be closer and Wellington’s Brainwave – Ill Intent. Really deep questions around song meanings are always hard to answer, I hardly remember the lyrics anyway.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Haha no chance, sometimes I think maybe joining a band that went nowhere was a waste of time but you still make good connections and get a bit wiser.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

I’d probably love to see some old punk sessions that were chaotic and possibly substance-fueled: the Heartbreakers: LAMF, The Stooges debut, Dead Boys: Young, Loud and Snotty.

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Category: Interviews