26 Oct 2009 // An interview by Shade
What is the best gig you have ever performed and why?

Waikanae Hotel, it was the first time we played there and the atmosphere that night was electric… people on the Kapiti Coast really know how to have a good time and we always are made to feel at home whenever we play there.

What is your favorite venue?

Bodega, the vibe of that place is amazing.

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

There are so many, definitely local independent bands, they are out there week to week putting on shows and working hard keeping the Wellington live scene alive.

What is you most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?

It was at one of our very first gigs… can't remember which venue but we had just started the set when all of a sudden a cymbal stand fell on to our bass player and then the actual cymbal fell of the stand, rolled and managed to hit every single member our vocalist Joe tried to get out of the way of the possessed cymbal but tripped on the stand and went crashing into the drum kit.

How did you come up with the name Kabanaz?

Our vocalist Joe came up with that one nobody remembers how or why but it came from Joe’s mind, who by the way thought Kabanaz was a island in the Pacific.

How do you describe your music?

Rock, it is a mix of everything that we love played our way.

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

We will be out there promoting our new album, 'Something New, Something Old, Something Better'.

What Advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?

The most important thing in our opinions is to be yourself.

Hailing from Wellington’s Lower Hutt, four piece melodic rock group Kabanaz are a family band with a difference. Resembling a Pacific Island ‘Kings of Leon meets Incubus’ the brothers Finau- Joe (vocals) and Kenneth (drums) teamed up with guitar virtuoso cousin Rob Leatuau, and (non family member) Carlos Pedro on bass back in early 2006, quickly setting about establishing themselves a loyal rock fan base in the local live scene. Combining their love of all things rock, from the Beatles to the White Stripes, Kabanaz forged a classic feel good pop-rock sound laden with summery vocals hooks and charging guitar riffs. After hitting the studio in late 2007, the bands’ debut album ‘‘Something New, Something Old, Something Better” made its way to the rock’n’roll Mecca of Memphis, Tennessee, where it was mastered at Blackwood Studios. Living up to its title, “Something New, Something Old, Something Better” is an amalgamation of the best aspects of pop, rock and funk, with shades of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Stone Temple Pilots and honest, Dragon-style Kiwi rock. An album full of humour, memorable melodies and golden vocal hooks, Kabanaz are proud to present, the soundtrack to your summer.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Kabanaz

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