Getting to know... Robyn Glendinning

Lead singer, weekend adventurer, and creative allrounder, Robyn thrives on music, movement, and making the most of every moment – whether it’s caving, cycling, or jamming with her band Fairydogs.

I get myself out of a funk by… Well, I’m the lead singer of a disco funk band, so I’m all about getting into the funk rather than out of it. And if the wrong kind of funk is starting to take hold, singing, drawing and getting out and moving my body helps me get back on the right track.

At the weekend you’ll find me... Either in a cave (I’ve recently gotten into caving and climbing), on my bike (I cycled nearly 1,500km last summer from Nelson to Bluff), or at a band camp out at Tim’s place (Fairydog’s amazing drummer) in Mārahau.

After work, you’ll find me… As a part-time content creator and freelance creative, my after-work time can happen at any time of day. I really love the flexibility being a creative affords me. In the winter, I might make the most of the precious daylight hours and spend time in the garden during the day and work more at night. Living in Motueka means I try to do as much as I can when I’m in Nelson for work, making time to visit friends, go to band practice and pick up art supplies.

My simple pleasures are… Cold water dips at Tāhunanui beach with friends, writing new songs and going out for coffee and cake, preferably paired with a bike ride.

The biggest risk I’ve ever taken… Picking up percussion again. I had some really bad experiences with it when I was in a jazz band in university, but I’m so glad I’ve given it a go again.

I am most passionate about… Making music and being creative. I’ve been involved in music and performing since I was a kid, but it wasn’t until I met Tim, Tom and Paul that I started properly writing songs. It really forced me out of my comfort zone, and becoming a Fairydog has allowed me to express myself in ways that would have been really scary a few years ago. It’s a wonderful, safe environment to be creative and try new things. It has grown so organically, from our first jam sessions to doing gigs, and to now being in the process of putting together our first EP.

Catch the Fairydog’s live at the Park Cafe, Mārahau on Saturday 18 October at 8:30pm.