How Lōemis lights up winter for David Long
Wednesday, 3 June 2026
Emmy Award-winning musician, producer and composer David Long says Lōemis Festival is one of his favourite winter events, bringing light to the season and consistently offering work he’s eager to see. He has spent most of his life in Wellington, returning after time overseas to a city where artists from every genre tend to meet, collaborate and learn to appreciate one another.
Job losses and wider political pressures have made the past few years difficult but, even so, he believes the city remains vibrant, with strong art being made and plenty happening. He’s looking forward to performing at the Lōemis Winter Night Market, creating ambient music alongside other makers.
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As part of The Post’s Cosy Arts Club series, we asked Long what winter looks like to him - the rituals, comforts and small joys that shape the colder months…
Do you have a winter project you are working on?
I am composing the score for a play - The Sons of Vao by Vela Manusaute and directed by Anapela Polataivao for the Auckland Theatre Company. I did the score for Anapela’s The Savage Coloniser Show, from poems by Tusiata Avia. It was a wonderful experience - amazing poems and performers.
What film, series, or comfort watch gets you through the darkest weeks?
A film I have come back to this year is Aftersun, directed by Charlotte Wells with a beautiful score by Oliver Coates. It is a subtle, beautiful film about memory and loss.
Do you have a winter soundtrack that feels right when the temperature drops?
Whenever I am in Ōtaki I listen to favourite albums that I have had in the past and some new ones - The Ballad of the Fallen by the Charlie Haden Liberation Orchestra, Survivor’s Suite by Keith Jarrett and Promises by Floating Points and Pharoah Sanders.
What’s your favourite winter activity when you’re not working?
We have a humble bach up in Ōtaki near the coast. It is my happy place. We have a wood burner and a good stereo. If the weather is good, we walk the beach and if it is cold we can listen to vinyl and play Bananagrams.
Where do you retreat to when you need warmth or inspiration?
I walk around the coast from Ōwhiro Bay (where I live ) over the Oku Reserve to Island Bay and back around the coast to home. Whatever the weather it is a beautiful walk and I get to look over the harbour to the hills on the other side. They always look different every time and I always think about how to write music to them.
What’s one small winter joy you look forward to every year?
Cutting kindling.
_David Long is performing at the Lōemis Night Market at _Tāwhiri_ Warehouse in Newtown on Friday, June 12, performing alongside dozens of artists, makers and artisans. More info: loemis.nz/night-market_