Thanks Laughton for answering these questions:
What can we expect to see from Kora over the next year?
Finally the new album is out and there has been alot more focus on travelling overseas, eg Europe, USA, Japan and Australia. Looking forward to that.
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Stick to what you know, Being honest about your music seems to resonate with others better as well. people can tell whether it's real or not. Especially yourself!
Who are your favourite NZ musicians/bands, and why?
Jon Toogood (Shihad). 25 years on and he still knows how to put on an amazing show. Always consistent, real rock'n'roll man!!
What will Kora’s next release be?
Hopefully something different from the last 2 albums. Cool thing about Kora is that we're willing and have given ourselves the option to explore any direction and feel.
How do you come up with your lyrics?
Pen to paper. Quite often the beat is first and then I listen to the feel and go from there. Always thinking of the feel of the song as a whole. Does what I say suit what the music is trying to portray as well.
Who would you most like to support live?
(This is just me) AC/DC, NZSO, Prince, Steve Vai.
How do you believe Kora fits into the NZ music industry?
Sales really...No sales, then, no mention! I'd like to think we swim in the deeper end of the pool though.
What can you never leave home without?
....my instruments...?
How would you describe Kora’s music?
Simplistic heavy grooves with tasty melodies.
What is your favourite NZ venue?
The Powerstation, Auckland.
What is the best part of being a musician?
Finding out what you're really made off. This life style is for the chosen few.
What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?
Heavy Metal Ninjas!!! Intellectual feel with outstanding technique and composition. Everyone else should stay at home and give up.
What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?
Saying hello to the wrong city...I still feel bad about it actually.
What are your favourite places in NZ to be?
Queenstown and Orewa.
What is the best gig you have ever performed at, and why?
BDO 2010, Why? 35,000 people and Wellington town hall with Strike, Why? Percussive geeks. Geeks rule!!!
What rumour would you like to start about Kora?
Kora!! The first band to perform on the moon.
Venue: Sea of Tranquility
Dress Code: No Males
Kora started drawing attention in 2004 with the release of the Volume EP in 2004 and the band quickly developed a reputation as being one of the nation's finest live acts. Early track Politician remains the band’s biggest Spotify hit with over 5 million streams.
Kora’s acclaim only grew with the release of their two records. Their double-platinum debut album Kora entered the charts at #1 on release in October 2007 and finally left the charts 57 weeks later in March 2009. Quickly on its heels was a Kora! Kora! Kora! remix LP by Sheffield based post-punk electronic innovators Cabaret Voltaire.
The long-awaited 2012 follow up LP Light Years continued to show the band's ability to fuse a multitude of influences, from reggae to heavy metal to dirty south hip hop. This album went on to achieve platinum sales and to cement Kora as a top tier act in their home country.