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Steve Abel (born in Auckland New Zealand) has spent his adult life variously focused on music, social and environmental activism and travel but has always regarded himself as a songwriter.
Steve began playing guitar and composing songs in his mid teens. After living in London for 2 years and playing in London band Corradi Kid circa 1993 he returned to New Zealand via Nepal and India in late 1994 to form Abel's Grave Band with Gabriel White of Spacesuit. Whilst active in the successful protest movement against the logging of rainforest in New Zealand, he recorded his first unreleased album Forgiven by the Moon with White and the enigmatic Edmund McWilliams (aka Ed Cake) in 1998.
Abel's debut release Little Death gestated since then. Launched in February 2006 and described as "a hidden treasure," it has attracted glowing reviews and was achieved through a collaboration of some of New Zealand's finest musicians.
The core songs of Little Death, were captured, mixed & produced by London-based engineer Nick Abbott. The band, described by the NZ Herald as a "Kiwi supergroup," are: Gareth Thomas (Goodshirt) accordion; Geoff Maddock, (Goldenhorse, Bressa Creeting Cake) electric guitar; Milan Borich (Pluto's front man, Bic Runga band) drums; Mike Hall (Pluto, Brunettes, Dimmer) double bass.
Following an impressive two day, 12 song session with Dunedin engineer Dale Cotton in early July 2007 at Neil Finn's Roundhead Studios in Auckland the Steve Abel Band's new album is nearing completion. The album, due for release in early 2008, also includes a superb new song: Cinders of the Sun featuring the sweet voiced Texan Jolie Holland.
Steve Abel solo, and with the band, has performed over 100 gigs in the last three years and shared the stage with Jolie Holland, The Haints of Dean Hall, Micah P Hinson, Richard Buckner, Goldenhorse, Age Pryor and Paul McLaney, among many others.
As well as playing the voice of the hero Gert in the cult gothic fairytale feature film Woodenhead made by Florian Habicht in 2003, Abel penned and performed the films closing song Hospice for Destitute Lovers.
Steve Abel Photo by Penny Kerr
Artist Website
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