'A dream come true': Pull Down the Sun signs with German label Pelagic Records

Pull Down The Sun are (from left) Jason Healey, Stefan Bourke and Koert Wegman. Photo / Supplied

Whanganui metal band Pull Down The Sun has been picked up by Berlin-based label Pelagic Records.

Its debut album, Of Valleys and Mountains, released in September 2020, will now be reissued worldwide on February 4.

Pelagic is run by Robin Staps of German band The Ocean.

"He got in contact with us in August or September and said they had been listening to the album in the warehouse where they send out all their vinyl and work from," Pull Down The Sun guitarist/singer Koert Wegman said.

"They wanted to buy a few copies to sell in their shop. We kept talking and they said 'how about a distribution deal?'.

"We're absolutely stoked. It's a dream come true, really."

The Ocean had remained an influence on Pull Down The Sun since the Whanganui band's inception, Wegman said.

"In 2011 Jason [Healey, guitar] and I were sitting on my couch in my flat, watching one of their videos on YouTube.

"I can remember exactly what I said - 'F*** this band is rad, we should do something like that'.

"Signing with Robin is kind of a full-circle moment for both of us, and for Stefan [Bourke, drums] as well."

Wegman and Healy attended all The Ocean's shows when the band visited New Zealand, he said.

"We made the effort to talk to them and make ourselves known because you never know what kind of conversation could resonate with someone.

"If you're friendly, it could lead to something like this."

With New Zealand's border restrictions set to loosen next year, Wegman said the possibility of touring Europe was now on the table.

"We've been keeping a pretty close eye on everything that's been happening with MIQ and stuff like that, and we've been talking with the label and other bands over there that we're friends with.

"Now that the EU is accepting New Zealand Covid passports, we're good to go.

"Nothing is set in stone as yet, but we're looking to go for their summer/our winter when gigs slow down a bit over these ways."

Wegman said the band was willing to play as much as it could, regardless of where it was.

"We've never turned down a show, we're always just gunning for it.

"This weekend we played in Whanganui and then flew down to Christchurch for a show.

"While we're able to and lucky enough, we'll be making the most of it."