Chris Schulz: Five acts we need in NZ now

Spoiled for choice? You bet we are. Because right now might just be the best time there has ever been to be a music fan in New Zealand.

Just look at the live music line-up landing in the country over the next few months: Bruce Springsteen kicks off a two-night stand at Mt Smart Stadium this weekend and is quickly followed by Rudimental, Macklemore, Bruno Mars, the Arctic Monkeys, John Mayer, Jason Derulo, Dizzee Rascal, Ellie Goulding and the Rolling Stones. Not to mention my highlight: Queens of the Stone Age and Nine Inch Nails, doing three shows around the country on what must surely be the year's best rock double bill. Unless Tadpole and The Feelers team up.

Yep, whatever your musical tastes, there is something in there somewhere for you or your parents or your dodgy mates or your awkward emo half-sister to go mental at. I know it seems wrong to ask for more. But I'm greedy. I want more music. I want bigger bands to visit. And seeing as we seem to be getting our wishes granted by the concert fairy, here at TimeOut we thought we'd compile a list of five more artists we'd like to see in the country by the end of the year.

Drake. According to a workmate who browses fansites for the Canadian rapper in his spare time, there are rumours Drake might be bringing his perfect grooming habits Down Under this year. I googled it. I couldn't find anything. But a Facebook page called "Bring Drake to Australia 2014" has more than 12,000 likes. It would be one of those rare hip-hop shows where female fans outnumber the men, and seeing Started From the Bottom live would be incredible. So yes, please.

Outkast. Obviously they're going to come to New Zealand. I mean, they have to. Aside from the occasional solo appearance by Big Boi, they've never been here. And seeing as they're headlining almost every music festival there is, with 40 dates already locked in, it only seems right that we'd get a show. I mean, who wouldn't want to dance along to Hey Ya!, scream out the Ms Jackson hook and play air trumpet to SpottieOttieDopaliscious?

Kanye West. There are rumours. Apparently promoters are still "working" on bringing the rapper over here after his upcoming Australian tour.

My guess is West needs a plane just for all his jackets and they're working out who pays for it.

But

Yeezus

was my best album of 2013, and you just know it's going to include at least one mega-meltdown and a 10-minute rant about why he's the greatest human being in existence. Of course I'd go.

Paul McCartney. I know this seems out of place on my rap-heavy list but this year marks a bunch of 50th anniversary tributes for The Beatles - including their Auckland Town Hall debut in June, 1964. I can't think of a better person to celebrate it with than the floppy-haired Brit seated at his piano playing those timeless classics. Don't make us have a Thomas the Tank Engine movie marathon instead, Paul, it just wouldn't be the same.

Miley Cyrus. Anyone who knows me knows I wouldn't be seen dead at a Miley Cyrus show, but when I saw the headlines the first few shows of her recent world tour generated, I couldn't help but fume with jealousy. Miley kisses Katy Perry! Miley wears cannabis leaf leotard! If she twerked on Richie McCaw in New Zealand, she might just break the internet.

- TimeOut