15 Feb 2009 // An interview by Shade
Thanks to Benjamin for answering these questions:

What is the best gig you have ever performed at, and why?

Would have to be Spartacus R's Delusions in 3D. We composed a one night performance for a 2008 Fringe show and also produced a 3D anaglyph movie to go along with the soundtrack. Was so nice to see a full house at the Paramount all wearing there 3D shades...

What is your favorite NZ venue?

Without a Doubt the Mussel Inn in Onekaka - Award winning beer flowing like a waterfall, Owners Andrew & Jane are truly amazing, and locals, tourist and holiday makers always keen to dance there socks off. Breath taking location and atmosphere.

What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?

I think we would all just like to see acts not following trends of the now. Really enjoy acts that are pushing the limits of commercial boundaries. An act that can still be in the industry but still be the spirit in the fizzy cola which packs the punch.

What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?

Probably the time we played at the Mussel Inn and we had a support act that I won't name and someone from the support ended up waking up in our accommodation in the middle of the night and relieving himself against the wall of their wonderful log house. Whoops!

How did you come up with the name Spartacus R?

We looked at a wall of vinyl at home and randomly picked a vinyl... "In 1969 Africa/London's Osbisa was born. Joining them in the first incarnation was Grenadian Spartacus R on bass". And in 2004 Spartacus R was born on 136 Abel-Smith St, Wellington, New Zealand.

How would you describe your music?

A Genre pool, good friends with common musical tastes.
"Sit back in a comfy chair with a nice drink, turn off the phone and let it envelope you. This album is something special, it won't appeal to everyone, but it is the kind of music that everyone should listen to."
- Lee Prebble, Audio Engineer & operator of The Surgery.

What can we expect to see from you over the next year?

A second album release, possibly on vinyl, the planning's of a 2010 Fringe/NZ arts festival show involving Traditional French Marionette performers with live S.R soundtrack

What advice would you like to give other aspiring musicians?

Forget about fame and being a celebrity, just make music for music sake. Educate yourself with New Zealand music and the Industry and then study the world music and industries. Let it rub off on your music...

While Spartacus R have much local industry and musician support, the music itself differs considerably from that around NZ at the moment. It follows a lineage of music with histories more likely to be found in parts of germany, England or the states. Taking inspiration from bands such as Radiohead, Can, and Pink Floyd.

"I am completely musically `turned on` by Spartacus R. Their music is is well crafted and intricately sincere. Fresh, contemporary retro, and completely unpredictable...Beautiful." -- Warren Maxwell, Founding member TrinityRoots, Fat Freddys Drop and The Little Bushmen.

"I've seen Spartacus R grow over the last 5 or so years and have always found their sound exciting, challenging and thoroughly enchanting. I was honored to help them produce their first full-length album and feel that it has truly captured something special, something that often only gets heard in a live environment. Sit back in a comfy chair with a nice drink, turn off the phone and let it envelope you. This album is something special, it won't appeal to everyone, but it is the kind of music that everyone should listen to." -- Lee Prebble, Audio Engineer, The Surgery.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Spartacus R

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