Teenage Band from Ōtautahi Given Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
Local teen band HOMESICKK? from Ōtautahi has been presented with an exceptional opportunity to perform in Japan. Comprising Grace Wakefield (19), Kash Perry (16), Luci Willmott-Dalton (16), and Asay Ujihara (17), the band has been invited to participate in the 10th annual Shimane Jett Festival in Shimane, Japan. They will also have the chance to perform in Tokyo and Osaka on the 7th and 8th of October, respectively.
This remarkable opportunity stemmed from their opening act for the famous Japanese garage punk band, Guitar Wolf, during their tour in New Zealand and Australia in March 2026. Every year, Seiji, the lead singer of Guitar Wolf, extends invitations to two international bands to showcase their talent at Shimane Jett Fest. This year, HOMESICKK? has been chosen as one of the fortunate invitees.
Seiji commended the young band, expressing his awe at their talent, high energy performances, emotional depth, and songwriting skills. Guitar Wolf’s lead singer emphasized that he sensed something extraordinary about the band, paving the way for this invitation.
Despite being formed only in October 2025, HOMESICKK? quickly gained recognition in the local music scene with sold-out shows at various venues such as Space Academy, Darkroom, Dux Central, and Wunderbar. They are known for their energetic live performances, playing melody-heavy, emo-inspired music that captivates audiences.
The band members, with Grace and Asay juggling jobs and the others still in school, come together on weekends at Asay’s house to rehearse in his lounge. Each member has several years of experience in music, with Grace starting to sing at 8, Kash self-teaching guitar in 2019, Luci learning bass in 2018, and Asay picking up drums in 2020.
To fund their journey to Japan, they aim to raise $20,000, covering flights, accommodation, transportation, and recording expenses. Fundraising events, including a quiz night and two gigs at Space Academy, have been scheduled to support their cause. An online donation page on BOOSTED will also allow supporters to contribute remotely.
Tom Ujihara, Asay’s father and a native Japanese speaker from Kochi, Japan, will accompany the band as their manager, providing essential guidance during their trip. HOMESICKK? will follow the footsteps of The D4, a New Zealand band that played at Shimane Jett Fest in 2024, showcasing Kiwi talent on an international platform in Japan.
The festival, hosted by Seiji, celebrates Guitar Wolf’s 40th anniversary and the festival’s tenth anniversary, promising an unforgettable experience for the young New Zealand musicians. This opportunity marks a significant milestone for HOMESICKK?, opening doors to international exposure and new horizons in their musical journey.