Peter Urlich: From Th’ Dudes to the Dancefloor

He recently reflected on his long and varied career, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of navigating the music industry in a pre-internet era. "It was basic in New Zealand at the time," he recalls, describing a scene far removed from today's digital landscape.  

His musical journey began as a student at Auckland’s Sacred Heart College. It was here where he met Dave Dobbyn, Ian Morris and Ricky Morris, his future bandmates in Th' Dudes. "We all hung out and loved all the current music," he says. That passion for music grew into a desire to create their own sound, ultimately leading to the formation of the band in 1977.  

Th' Dudes quickly rose to fame, touring extensively throughout New Zealand and Australia. Peter remembers the thrill of those early gigs, the camaraderie, and the challenges of breaking into the Australian market. Despite the band's eventual disbandment, their music has become ingrained in the Kiwi psyche, with songs like "Bliss" achieving anthem status.  

Following this, Peter took his passion for music beyond performing. He opened a nightclub in the 80s (the fondly remembered ‘A Certain Bar’), driven by a desire to share the new sounds he'd discovered while spending time in the UK. "The radio stations weren’t getting into the new music," he explains, and his club (and subsequent others) became a haven for those seeking fresh sounds and a vibrant atmosphere.  

Today’s music scene looks a lot different from those eras. Nowadays, as Peter reflects, most young people get their new music from social media and streaming platforms. It’s also reflected in the way businesses provide music to patrons.  

Because of pop music’s saturation on social media, "people think they can take [music] and use it without respecting its intellectual property," he observes, emphasizing that ignorance is no excuse. 

In the early 80s, businesses recognised the importance of music licensing, and they had to pay for music rights to play the sounds on premises.

These days it's much easier for businesses to gain those rights, by simply obtaining a OneMusic licence, for permission to play while fairly compensating the creators behind the tracks. It’s also a great way to demonstrate their commitment to ethical music use and to contribute to the sustainability of the music industry.  

An industry that is much changed from when he first started. "Young musicians have to deal with different issues around copyright than we did,” he notes, highlighting that fair compensation is crucial for the sustainability of the music ecosystem.  

While individuals can’t always be held accountable for their misuse of music, Peter believes there is an onus on businesses to at least ensure they are taking the right steps, as music is integral to creating a business’ positive atmosphere. "Music is a part of the environment you want to create," he explains, likening it to the décor and ambience that enhance a customer's experience.  

Peter has experienced many highs in his career and as of 2024, he remains a prominent figure in the Auckland music scene, often regarded as one of the godfathers of DJs. Recently playing a sold-out event at a whisky distillery on Waiheke Island, Peter proved once again that the love of a good boogie transcends generations. And over the decades from behind the decks, he has witnessed significant changes in the state of Auckland's nightlife – “there isn’t much of one anymore!” – leading him to emphasise the need for more safe and stimulating environments where people can connect through music.  Peter Urlich's dedication to music extends beyond his performances and entrepreneurial ventures. He is a champion for artists' rights, reminding us that respecting creativity is essential for a thriving music culture.