New Books in Popular Culture Michael Brown, "Eyeliner’s Buy Now" (Bloomsbury 2025)
Nov 22, 2025
Michael Brown, a music curator at the Alexander Turnbull Library, dives into the fascinating world of vaporwave and Eyeliner's album, BUY NOW. He explores Luke Rowell’s unique journey from Lower Hutt's tech-infused childhood to his DIY music distribution. The discussion illuminates the cultural influences shaping Rowell's work, including the rise of internet music scenes and the post-2008 disillusionment. Brown also highlights the catchy slap-bass motifs and the album's critique of consumerism, positioning it as a standout in the new age of digital artistry.
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Internet Enabled Niche Albums
- Eyeliner's Buy Now exemplifies internet-era niche genres that emerged from online communities rather than mainstream industries.
- Michael Brown uses the album to show how the internet enabled New Zealand artists to reach global audiences directly.
Commodore Sparked A Music Path
- Luke Rowell discovered music through a Commodore 64 at age five and loved 8-bit game soundtracks.
- That early computer exposure led him to tinker, code, and trigger sounds that started his music-making path.
Local Change, Global Reach
- Deregulation and early internet access in New Zealand flooded screens with American culture and opened global connections.
- Luke used bulletin boards and early web communities to learn music tools and connect with distant peers.
