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Martin Phillipps, Pioneer of the Dunedin Sound, Dies at 61

By Oliver Martin

Martin Phillipps, the singer and songwriter who led his band The Chills to international acclaim, has died suddenly at the age of 61. Phillipps was a key figure in the development of the Dunedin sound, a melodic, offbeat, and literate style of rock music that emerged in the mid-1980s from the small New Zealand city of Dunedin.

Alongside fellow Dunedin bands The Clean and The Verlaines, The Chills helped to pioneer the Dunedin sound, which was characterized by its use of jangly guitars, melancholic melodies, and introspective lyrics. The band’s music was championed by influential DJs such as John Peel on the BBC and Robert Christgau in the Village Voice, and they were hailed as one of the most promising bands of their generation.

However, despite their critical acclaim and cult following, commercial success consistently eluded The Chills. Phillipps struggled with depression and addiction, and the band’s lineup was constantly changing. As a result, they never achieved the mainstream success that many critics and fans believed they deserved.

Phillipps was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1961. He formed The Chills in 1980, and the band released its debut album, Kaleidoscope World, in 1983. The album was a critical success, and it helped to establish The Chills as one of the leading bands of the Dunedin sound.

The Chills went on to release a number of acclaimed albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including Submarine Bells (1987), Soft Bomb (1992), and Somewhere Beautiful (1994). The band’s music was praised for its unique blend of melodicism and experimentation, and Phillipps was hailed as a gifted songwriter with a knack for creating catchy hooks and insightful lyrics.

In recent years, The Chills had experienced a resurgence of interest, thanks in part to the release of several archival albums and reissues. The band had also been planning to tour in 2023.

Phillipps’ death is a major loss to the music world. He was a gifted songwriter and a pioneer of the Dunedin sound. His music will continue to be enjoyed by fans around the world for years to come.

Tributes to Martin Phillipps

Following the news of Phillipps’ death, tributes poured in from fellow musicians and fans around the world.

“Martin Phillipps was a true original,” said John Peel, the legendary BBC DJ who was an early champion of The Chills. “His music was unique and inspiring, and he will be deeply missed.”

“Martin was a great songwriter and a wonderful person,” said David Kilgour, the frontman of The Clean. “I’m so sad to hear of his passing.”

“Martin Phillipps was one of the most gifted songwriters I’ve ever known,” said Michael Stipe, the frontman of R.E.M. “His music was beautiful and haunting, and his lyrics were always insightful and thought-provoking.”

The Legacy of Martin Phillipps

Martin Phillipps was a major figure in the development of New Zealand music. His music was unique and influential, and he helped to put Dunedin on the map as a global music hub. Phillipps’ legacy will continue to inspire and influence musicians for generations to come.

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