Get HOMESICKK? to Japan!

HOMESICKK? is a young four-piece band from Ōtautahi Christchurch, made up of Grace Wakefield (19), Kash Perry (16), Luci Willmott-Dalton (16), and Asay Ujihara (17).

The band has recently been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: an invitation from legendary Japanese rock band Guitar Wolf to perform at the annual Shimane JETT Rock 'n' Roll Festival in Shimane, Japan, on 10–11 October 2026, alongside a mini tour with performances in Tokyo and Osaka.

Earlier this year, HOMESICKK? opened for Guitar Wolf at Space Academy in Christchurch. Following the show, Guitar Wolf frontman Seiji was impressed by the band's musicianship, energy, and live performance. After staying in touch and sharing updates on the band's progress, HOMESICKK? received an unexpected invitation to travel to Japan to perform at Shimane JETT FEST, the festival after-party, and a series of shows across Tokyo and Osaka.

For a young independent band from Ōtautahi, this invitation represents a major milestone. Japanese music and culture have been a significant influence on the band, making the opportunity to perform internationally—invited by one of their musical inspirations—especially meaningful.

HOMESICKK? will become only the second New Zealand band to perform at Shimane JETT FEST, following The D4 in 2024. After speaking with The D4 about the opportunity, the band was encouraged to embrace the experience and make the most of this unique chance to connect with audiences overseas.

The tour will take place from 3–12 October 2026, spanning Shimane, Tokyo, and Osaka during the New Zealand school holidays and the first week of Term 4. This timing allows the younger members of the band to participate while balancing their school and apprenticeship commitments.

This project will see HOMESICKK? represent Christchurch's DIY music scene on an international stage by performing at Shimane JETT FEST and undertaking their first international tour. More than just a series of shows, it is an opportunity for four young musicians to build lasting connections through music, gain valuable international experience, and showcase local New Zealand talent to audiences in Japan.

Grace:

Grace is 19 years old and two years out of high school. She discovered her passion for music at a young age, heavily influenced by her parents and raised on bands such as The Ramones, Van Halen, Hüsker Dü, and Nirvana. Some of her earliest memories involve singing along to "Beat on the Brat" by The Ramones. She began learning guitar and singing in primary school and has continued developing her skills ever since.

As the vocalist of HOMESICKK?, Grace loves writing songs, performing live, and being part of a band made up of close friends who share the same passion for music. Through the band, she has become heavily involved in Christchurch's local music scene, playing regular gigs and connecting with other musicians. One of the highlights of her music journey was touring with Guitar Wolf during their 2026 Oceania tour, working as a merch seller, roadie, and door person throughout their 12-day run across New Zealand. She enjoys the sense of community that comes with live music and is excited to continue growing alongside HOMESICKK?.

Kash: 

Kash is 16 and is a year 12 student attending Shirley Boys High School. He started learning guitar and singing in 2020, playing in over 10 bands since then, playing in metal, surf rock, and pop punk bands. He is heavily inspired by bands like Taking Back Sunday, Mineral, Blink-182 and Brand New. 

Kash started doing gigs around Christchurch with his old pop-punk band, leading on to joining HOMESICKK? and setting up DIY gigs and house shows for his bands, and other young bands in the local scene. Joining HOMESICKK?, also brought him closer into the local scene, providing amazing opportunities to play with international acts such as Guitar Wolf. 

Luci:

Luci is 16 and is currently a year 12 student at Te Puna Wai O Waipapa - Hagley College. She started playing bass in early 2018 at 8 years old, after getting inspired by David Bowie and Iggy Pop from a young age. From then on, she was always music obsessed and in a band, whether it was a school rock band, or her own project with friends. 

In 2023 she got into the local music scene and started going to gigs regularly with her dad. Going to gigs made her start playing them, eventually meeting Grace and Kash through being in her band Mental Joy. Her current inspirations derive from the local musicians around her, to emo and punk bands from all around the world. Her favorite bands and artists are DARTZ, this dog, Joyce Manor, and Out of Luck!, whose style and energy reflect and are shown in HOMESICKK?.

Asay:

Asay is 17 and is currently completing an apprenticeship in hairdressing. He started learning drums in 2020 and quickly developed a strong passion for music using the drums as a way to express himself, playing in several bands throughout high school being heavily influenced by drummers like Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins especially in Foo Fighters and Nirvana, then transitioned into more heavy influences such as Slipknot, Lamb of God, Gojira and Avenged Sevenfold, spending years developing his skills and love for music. 

Although he is relatively new to Christchurch's local music scene, joining HOMESICKK? has opened up opportunities to perform live, meet other musicians, and become part of a supportive music community. He loves creating music with his friends and enjoys being part of a band that shares the same passion for performing, having fun, and making a lot of noise. 

As an independent young band, international touring comes with significant costs. HOMESICKK? is actively working to fund the trip through fundraising events, live shows, merchandise, and community support; however, additional assistance is needed to make the opportunity possible.

Funds raised will go directly toward:

• Flights to and from Japan
• Accommodation during the tour
• Transportation between cities and venues
• Touring and equipment-related expenses
• Recording and preparation costs connected to the tour

The total estimated cost of the trip is approximately $25,000 NZD, with a large portion attributed to international flights, which continue to increase in cost due to seasonal demand.

Every contribution, regardless of size, will directly support HOMESICKK? in bringing this opportunity to life.

HOMESICKK? is a young four-piece band from Ōtautahi Christchurch, made up of Grace Wakefield (19), Kash Perry (16), Luci Willmott-Dalton (16), and Asay Ujihara (17).

The band has recently been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: an invitation from legendary Japanese rock band Guitar Wolf to perform at the annual Shimane JETT Rock 'n' Roll Festival in Shimane, Japan, on 10–11 October 2026, alongside a mini tour with performances in Tokyo and Osaka.

Earlier this year, HOMESICKK? opened for Guitar Wolf at Space Academy in Christchurch. Following the show, Guitar Wolf frontman Seiji was impressed by the band's musicianship, energy, and live performance. After staying in touch and sharing updates on the band's progress, HOMESICKK? received an unexpected invitation to travel to Japan to perform at Shimane JETT FEST, the festival after-party, and a series of shows across Tokyo and Osaka.

For a young independent band from Ōtautahi, this invitation represents a major milestone. Japanese music and culture have been a significant influence on the band, making the opportunity to perform internationally—invited by one of their musical inspirations—especially meaningful.

HOMESICKK? will become only the second New Zealand band to perform at Shimane JETT FEST, following The D4 in 2024. After speaking with The D4 about the opportunity, the band was encouraged to embrace the experience and make the most of this unique chance to connect with audiences overseas.

The tour will take place from 3–12 October 2026, spanning Shimane, Tokyo, and Osaka during the New Zealand school holidays and the first week of Term 4. This timing allows the younger members of the band to participate while balancing their school and apprenticeship commitments.

This project will see HOMESICKK? represent Christchurch's DIY music scene on an international stage by performing at Shimane JETT FEST and undertaking their first international tour. More than just a series of shows, it is an opportunity for four young musicians to build lasting connections through music, gain valuable international experience, and showcase local New Zealand talent to audiences in Japan.

Supporting HOMESICKK? means supporting young local musicians from Ōtautahi as they pursue a rare international opportunity.

This experience will allow the band to represent and promote Christchurch’s DIY music scene overseas, build connections through music, and gain valuable experience performing internationally at a young age.

Whether through donating, sharing the campaign, or attending fundraising events, supporters will be helping a local band take an important step forward in their musical journey.

HOMESICKK? sincerely appreciates all support received.