Six60 family and friends in Wairarapa

Six60 will stage their debut Wairarapa performance next month, and for band synth and samples man Marlon Gerbes (second from left), it will double as a family visit. PHOTO/STEVE DYKES

The upcoming Six60 debut in Wairarapa will be a homecoming of sorts for band synth and samples man Marlon Gerbes -- and a visit with long lost family in the region.

The five-piece Dunedin-grown band will play a club-style show at King Street Live in Masterton on May 18, as part of a 14-date nationwide tour in support of their latest self-titled album, which dropped in February.

Gerbes, Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, said he and the band were pleased to have expanded the tour itinerary to two provincial towns -- Kerikeri and Masterton -- in a move that suited their philosophy of reaching out to their fans where they live.

"We're not too precious about where we go," he said. "The important thing is the people, and our music is made for the people."

During the two day band stay in Wairarapa he will touch base with relatives discovered by his mother, who was adopted early in her life, after a search for her natural family led her to the region.

"My mum had been whangai-ed from Masterton to Hawkes Bay and she reconnected with that part of our family ages ago.

"For me that connection was made only about two years ago.

"So Masterton is kind of hometown for me I guess -- it's where my roots are."

Gerbes said fan loyalty had been humbling after the release of their second self-titled studio album, which went gold within weeks of its release in February.

The second album was self-titled, like their 2011 debut album that sold platinum, to avoid the risk of listener preconceptions, he said.

Each track was written and recorded over a two-year incubation "without any pressure or expectation" burdening the band.

"It took two years to finish the second album. We've heard about guys that buckle under the pressure and put something out they're only half happy with.

"It's that second album syndrome.

"It just has to be done when you're ready, not really when the fans expect.

"You just never know when you'll be totally happy with it."

Six60 play King Street Live in Masterton on May 18.

Tickets to the gig cost $69 each and are available online at ticketek.co.nz.