Look Blue Go Purple: The All-Female Pioneers of the Dunedin Sound
In the vibrant underground music scene of early 1980s Dunedin, New Zealand, a remarkable group of five women came together to form Look Blue Go Purple, a band that would leave an indelible mark on alternative rock history. Their journey began officially on 5 March 1983 at The Broome Valley Festival, marking the start of a four-year adventure that would cement their place as pioneers of what became known as the Dunedin sound.
The band's lineup brought together a diverse range of musical talents. Kathy Bull anchored the sound on bass, while Norma O'Malley added atmospheric depth through keyboards and flute. Lesley Paris drove the rhythm on drums, and guitarists Denise Roughan and Kath Webster crafted the band's distinctive melodic textures. Together, they created a sound that was simultaneously dreamy and powerful, placing them firmly in the "second wave" of the celebrated Dunedin sound movement.
Signing with the iconic Flying Nun Records, Look Blue Go Purple released their debut EP, Bewitched, in 1985, which climbed to number 21 on the New Zealand charts. Their follow-up EP, LBGPEP2, arrived in 1986 and reached number 26, further solidifying their reputation as one of New Zealand's most compelling alternative acts. A posthumous EP, This Is This, was released in 1988, ensuring their music continued to reach new audiences even after the band had parted ways.
The band's influence extended well beyond their active years. Their tracks appeared on numerous compilations, including the celebrated Tuatara and Time to Go: The Southern Psychedelic Moment 1981–86, introducing their music to generations of listeners who discovered the magic of the Dunedin sound long after it first flourished. In 2017, Flying Nun Records honored their legacy with Still Bewitched, a comprehensive collection featuring tracks from all three EPs alongside previously unreleased live recordings, earning glowing reviews from international outlets including Pitchfork.
After Look Blue Go Purple disbanded in 1987, each member carved out her own remarkable path. Bull, reinventing herself as Francisca Griffin, went on to record the solo album Some From the Sky. Roughan joined the acclaimed The 3Ds and later Ghost Club, while O'Malley became a founding member of Chug. Paris followed perhaps the most diverse post-band journey, going on to manage Flying Nun Records and later becoming station manager for Otago Access Radio in Dunedin, keeping her deep connection to the music community alive.
The story of Look Blue Go Purple is one of artistic courage and enduring influence. As an all-female band navigating a male-dominated music scene, they helped redefine what the Dunedin sound could be, bringing a fresh perspective that continues to inspire musicians and fans alike. Their music remains a testament to the power of creative ambition, and their place in New Zealand's musical heritage is as secure today as it was during those electric years on the Dunedin stage.
