Bio

dDub are one of New Zealand’s best loved live acts. Engaging and uplifting, the dDub crew propel their way seamlessly through a powerful and non-stop roots explosion. Horns, harmonies, and hands-high dDub tunes combine to create an elevating musical experience not to be missed.

Combining authentic roots styles with a contemporary approach to creating conscious music, dDub have developed a sound free from digital, and modern in production. Renowned for their 'cranking and skanking' live shows, the band never fails to connect with the crowd and they have become firm favourites at many nationwide outdoor festivals in NZ including Rhythm and Vines, WOMAD, Queenstown Winter Festival, Soundsplash.

The largest New Years Eve Celebration in New Zealand, Rhythm and Vines chose dDub to take the 13,000 strong crowd into 2008.

Just back from their 3rd Australian tour, dDub were overwhelmed by the response form the Australian public and press. The tours covered Sydney, Byron Bay, and Brisbane culminating in a sell-out show in Melbourne.

“dDub’s accomplished lead singer/guitarist Derek Browne steered a massive groove and ska-hot brass to take the party through an explosive journey of high hands roots rock and reggae.” - Inpress (Melbourne)

dDub were invited to play WOMAD 2007, one of the few local acts to be accepted into this international festival, and have also had their track 'Give It Some' included on the Australasian WOMAD compilation.

“WOMAD 2007 organisers are thrilled with the success of the weekend event. The festival attracted a crowd of about 45,000, the biggest ever. New Zealand band dDub drew a large crowd to the Gables stage. dDub showed why they had become favourites at outdoor festivals, connecting with the huge crowd.” - Taranaki Daily News

dDub have recently signed a 3 album record deal with Shock records in Australia and have self released their album in New Zealand through Vunderchick Records.

“Sophisticated arrangements, sweet tones, subtle poetic lyrics and good playing make dDub's Awake At Dawn (Vunderchick) a pleasant addition to the growing category of New Zealand reggae. Swift tempo changes, a mariachi-influenced horn section and squeaky-clean riddims -… show this band is a finely tuned vehicle capable of running full throttle straight through your town” - The Beat Magazine – USA

“…A long awaited recording for their substantial fan base, it loses none of the magical essence of a dDub live show. Pumping out a raw roots Pacifica aural experience with bold brass and unapologetic passion.” - Real Groove Magazine March 06 – * * * * 4 Stars - Sharyn Croft

dDub’s single/video 'Hesitate No' has just reached the KIWI FM top 10 and has been playlisted on C4 and JuiceTV.

With several nationwide tours under their belt, dDub’s live performance repertoire is impressive. dDub has performed to thousands of New Zealanders, including an 8000 strong crowd at Queenstown’s Winter Festival where they were brought back on stage for three pumping encores!

Other live shows include: WOMAD (2007) two performances. BFM Summer Series (2007) Rhythm & Vines Gisborne (2008/2005), Soundsplash Festival (2006/ 2003), Wellington’s Cuba St Carnival (2002 / 2003), Splore (2004/2006), Grey Lynn festival (2003/2004/2005/2006), AK05 (2005) The Auckland City Performing Arts Festival (2005), Nelson Arts festival (2006), Coromandel Pohutukawa festival, (2006) Southern Amp (2207) and many others.
dDub performed extensively over 2008 and 2007 summer season, sharing stages with other high profile acts including Sneaky Sound System, Salmonella Dub, The Black Seeds, Katchafire and Kora.

"With eagerly anticipated new albums being released by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and The Black Seeds, it was always going to be difficult picking my album of the year. But in the depths of winter I think I've found it in the sublime summer sounds that make up the long-awaited debut album from dDub" - Craccum magazine – August 2006 - * * * * * 5 Stars

Recent festivals dDub have performed at in New Zealand:

2006 New Year - Rhythm and Vines - 13,000
2007 Nov – Southern amp - 7,000
2007 March WOMAD - 10,000
2007 Feb – BFM Summer Series - 6,000
2007 Feb - Auckland ZOO Music - 3,000
2006 Oct - Nelson Arts Festival - Carnivale - 3,000
2006 Aug - Coromandel Scallop Festival - 6,000
2006 New Year - Rhythm and Vines - 10,000
2006 Feb - Soundsplash Raglan - 4,000
2006 Feb - Splore Eco Festival - 5,000

Band Members:
Derek Browne (vocals, guitar)
Matt Shanks (bass)
Steve Fulford (guitar)
Chris Grant (drums)
Andrew Hall (saxophone)
Tim Atkinson (alto saxophone)

Links

• Artist Website
• Amplifier Profile
• MySpace Profile