Every year Austin hosts musicians from around the globe at South by Southwest. With so many countries delivering their best up-and-coming artists to the American music scene, a strong SXSW tradition has emerged. From Lunch with the Germans to Japan Night and the Canadian Blast BBQ, countries throw events to showcase their most promising acts and a hint of their native cultures.The New Zealand party was no exception. Music lovers filled Brush Square Park on Friday for cocktails and performances by The Ruby Suns, Surf City, Bachelorette and Gin Wigmore. The Ruby Suns opened the night with their worldly blend of indie pop melodies. The three-piece band played a short set on a stage adorned with lights and flowers. Next, Surf City entertained partygoers with up-tempo, drum-heavy tunes. One-woman band Bachelorette played third. Despite some sound issues early in the set, Annabel Alpers mixed up dreamy, psychedelic tunes on her MacBook accompanied by her haunting, fluid vocal melodies.

Rising star Gin Wigmore rounded out the night. The announcer proclaimed her the hottest artist in New Zealand right now, and the audience seemed to agree. Wigmore’s signature vocal style, reminiscent of a more Rock ‘n Roll Amy Winehouse, was a hit with the crowd.