New Books Network Michael Brown, "Eyeliner’s Buy Now" (Bloomsbury 2025)
Nov 22, 2025
Michael Brown, a music curator at the Alexander Turnbull Library, dives into Eyeliner's 'BUY NOW,' a cornerstone of the vaporwave genre. He explores the nostalgic 80s and 90s influences behind the album and how Luke Rowell, under the alias Eyeliner, critiqued consumerism through digital soundscapes. The discussion highlights how DIY music production has evolved and the cultural shifts in New Zealand's music scene. Brown also dissects the sonic elements of the album, showcasing its appeal in both the internet age and beyond.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Music Born From Internet Subcultures
- Eyeliner's Buy Now exemplifies internet-era niche genres that emerge outside traditional canon.
Early Commodore 64 Influence
- Luke Rowell got fascinated with soundtracks via his father's Commodore 64 and shared gaming culture as a child.
Local Artists, Global Reach
- Deregulation and early internet access let New Zealanders like Rowell access global culture and communities.
