About

Default Mode are an alt / noise / freak rock band from Wellington, New Zealand.

Unplug, free your mind, reclaim your attention, scroll life. Default Mode write loud, twitchy original songs to get your freak on.

Formed in 2024 from the ashes of The Yes Men, and At Risk Youth, with members of Wholesale Drainage, Gravey, Ampersand, Motorsheep, k1500 project, Dukes of Leisure. We’ve played together as musicians over a good number of years and this is our latest incarnation.

We have a recording of 8 original songs in progress, recorded at Toi Poneke, Wellington. Stay tuned!

Default Mode made their live debut at Valhalla in June 2026, opening the bill alongside Because Robots and Lazy Susan.

Recent recordings include the tracks Heart Attack, Closer, and Don’t Shoot the Messenger. Watch and listen on the music page.

Press photos: Lawrence Hodson.