For Tauranga musician Anthony Coulter, the Soak’n Sounds live music series isn’t just another gig to play.

It’s one of his favourite events to be part of, describing it as a dream venue with unmatched atmosphere.

Held at the Mount Hot Pools, the Soak’n Sounds series was a long-running live music event, which featured local musicians playing to crowds who enjoy the music and often sing along while they soak.

The series has returned this summer, marking 10 years since it started providing an opportunity for local musos to connect with audiences in the relaxed setting under Mauao.

Venue manager Letitia Sheehan said Soak’n Sounds was always a popular event on the Mount Hot Pools calendar, with audience numbers consistently growing.

“People hang out for it. They love it and ask for it every year,” Sheehan said.

Admission data for the Mount Hot Pools showed consistent audience growth over the past few years.

Sheehan said people kept an eye on the line-up and come to the Mount Hot Pools to see specific artists.

Tauranga Deputy Mayor and Mauao/Mount Maunganui ward councillor Jen Scoular said Soak’n Sounds reaching 10 years was a real milestone, “reflecting the popularity that has brought it back each summer and the role it plays in enhancing the Mount Hot Pools experience”.

“The series adds something special to a place already loved by locals and visitors, creating an atmosphere musicians love and visitors appreciate. This vibrancy is part of what makes Mount Maunganui such a great destination.”

Coulter was part of the 10-year Soak’n Sounds line-up, featuring different musicians performing poolside every Sunday evening until March 29.

He said when he first learned about the Soak’n Sounds series he knew he wanted to be part of it.

“I’d actually always wanted to play there because it’s such a perfect venue,” Coulter said.

He had worked with some of the regular Soak’n Sounds musicians over the years and “wanted to get into this vibe”.

Mount Hot Pools visitors enjoying the ambience of Soak’n Sounds.

Coulter’s first performance was last year, performing as part of Coastal Echo as well as a solo musician. He said he received a lot of positive feedback after the sessions and knew quickly he wanted to return this summer for the 10-year anniversary series.

He would perform two sessions as a solo musician – one on February 1 and the other on March 8.

“I just love the whole vibe,” he said.

“I think it’s such a great opportunity.”

One of his favourite Soak’n Sounds experiences as a performer was seeing the audience engaged.

“There were some people in the pool singing along to every word.

“I think it’s a perfect platform ... You just don’t know who’s there and listening.”

Coulter said he’s affectionately known as the Tauranga Piano Man, performing original music and classic covers from REM, Oasis, Dragon, Billy Joel, Teddy Swims and more with his Casio in tow.

He said he’s been busy working on an EP and the Mount Hot Pools soakers might get to hear some of his new music during his performances.

“I just love it. It’s a gift that I’ve been given. I’m probably at my happiest place when I’m singing and playing music.”

Soak’n Sounds is offered at no extra cost and is included as part of entry into the Mount Hot Pools.

Three of the musicians on the line-up have played all 10 years: Melissa Cox, Josh Pow and Tara Watson.

Joanne Melbourne was also part of the Soak’n Sounds 10-year line-up and said the Mount Hot Pools was one of her favourite venues to perform.

“The Mount Hot Pools is one of my favourite places to play because there’s plenty of fresh air and to sing towards the sky above Mauao is pretty awesome.”

Melbourne’s first Soak’n Sounds performance was in December 2023, describing it as “a full sensory experience”.

“People get involved with the performance. Kids lie in the water in front of me, and it’s one of the only venues where the audience listens and sings along.”

Managed by Bay Venues on behalf of Tauranga City Council, the iconic Mount Hot Pools is one of the only hot ocean water pool complexes in the world.

The Mount Hot Pools was recently been named among the country’s top 10 hot pools by Tourism NZ, has been inducted into the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame and holds the Qualmark Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Accreditation.

In August, the facility was honoured with the outstanding pool award at the National Recreation Aotearoa Aquatics Awards, recognising excellence in design, operations and community impact.