Newsletter Issue #119: 08 Oct 2006
Guest Editorial
Another month has passed, and yet the New Zealand music scene grows stronger and larger, and we have seen a whole bunch of new bands on the scene getting bigger and better. Some up and coming bands like The Tutts have been getting a huge amount of exposure recently on Juice and C4, and bands like Five Star Fallout with front man Michael Murphy are on the move, having received a music video grant from New Zealand On Air to help with their progress.
Jack Black and his band “Tenacious D” are hitting the country in January, supporting the worldwide tour of there latest album, the soundtrack to movie “The Pick Of Destiny”. Tickets are due out October 11th from Ticketek and such places.I will certainly be there to see the show.
Lukas Rossi, the winner from TV3’s Rockstar Supernova is now on tour throughout most of the U.S performing with Jason Newstead (ex Metallica), Tommy Lee (Motley Crue), and Gilby Clarke (Guns N Roses), following in the footsteps of INXS and their new front man JD Fortune.
For those of you who are Tool fans, the Big Day Out ’07 is going to be one of the biggest yet, with Tool named as the headlining act, and Muse, The Killers, Scribe, also performing to name a few. Get in quickly to take time off work or whatever it is you do to get along to that, as I can assure you, some would say that Tool are possibly the best rock band in the world!
Stylus are yet again on another North Island tour, their tour dates are posted on www.myspace.com/stylus. There latest video “I Was Alone Until Tonight” has been nominated for “Best Indie Video” at the 2006 Juice Music Awards, and Brutally Frank (now under management from Helen Welch at Sony BMG) are playing extensively throughout the North Island during Nov/Dec so keep your eyes peeled for a show near you! Filming has started on their debut video to support the release of their single “The Finer Details”.
My recommendation for the gig to see in November 10th is Stylus, Redline, Brutally Frank, and Sinfura (now with lineup including myself, Carl ex Epitome) at K Road’s “Hysteria” bar in Auckland.
Thanks to Carl for the above guest editorial!
The House Of Capricorn
Who are your favourite NZ bands and artists?
Grenade Kills 3 before their recent demise were definitely one of the most entertaining, eclectic and talented groups this country has ever seen.. and Graymalkin before their split were one of the most forceful, heavy bands around.
Currently, Ulcerate are unstoppable in terms of musicianship, direction and exceptional songwriting, as well as being some of the coolest cats out.
Outside of metal, Sonicaltar are playing some excellent tunes in a style not many can pull off legitimatetly.. and Kane is a fantastic vocalist. Im also a big fan of Gramsci, and Lucid 3 but am yet to see them Lucid 3 live.
What is your favourite NZ venue?
Paradise Bar in St Kevin's Arcade, and Edens Bar both in Auckland had some of the best vibes in terms of party-gig environments. In terms of sound, the Kings Arms is paramount, and Valve in Wellington, which always has a great atmosphere too. As a few people have already stated, Greg at Valve is one of the most accomodating bar owner out there.
Also, on a great night, Hysteria in Auckland can be fantastic.
What is the best thing about being in the House of Capricorn?
Being able to play with great musicians who all have great styles, and at the same time with great friends. Ive played in bands before where the atmosphere was far less relaxed, but after House of Capricorn jams everyone is always keen to chill back, have a barbeque and just hang out.
What is the best live gig you have ever been to?
One of the best shows I ever attended was Graymalkin/Ulcerate/Dawn of Azazel/Forced to Submit at Paradise Bar in 2003. They had about 200 people packed in the room.. about 50-70 people over the regulation. The show was just chaos, everyone was in great spirits, and every band was a complete onslaught.
Also, I was over in the UK at the end of last year and caught Gorgoroth and 1349 at Underworld in London. Probably the greatest spectacle ive ever seen.. Completely violence and showmanship onstage.
Where do you see yourselves in 5 years?
Still playing music of course, hopefully with The House of Capricorn. No doubt earning more money with whatever im doing.
How do you keep in contact with your fans?
Hanging out at shows, emails, and through our myspace page. We're always happy to kick back with anyone cool.
What rumour would you like to start about yourselves?
We're only in it for the money.
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Establish a direction and concept before you start playing in an original band.
Go out and listen to local groups, both good and bad (subject to your own tastes). It will help you to cull and redistribute your ideas and outlooks (seeing a band live and listening to the same band recorded establishes a completely different perception, in my opinion).
Make a point of investigating the underground scenes of whatever genres you're into, both local and international.
Do whatever you want musically... of course that is a given. And above all, wholly rely on noone you know you cant already trust. Self-preservation can be the only thing that will keep you focussed, and maintain your livelihood.
The House of Capricorn is a swamp sludge rock band, spawned from the fog below One Tree Hill. For more information, check them out here.
The Mint Chicks
Who are your favourite NZ bands and artists?
As far as this country goes, from the past my favourite artists are the Scavengers, the Swingers, and the Gordons, and in recent times I have been impacted by This Night Creeps, Flick, Meat Bix, the D4, and the Datsuns (among many others I can't think of right now) and I look forward to a lot of things as well.
What is your favourite NZ venue?
I'd say the venue closest to my heart is the Wunderbar in Lyttleton.
What is the best thing about being in The Mint Chicks?
Having some kind of small impact on the culture. Being able to be part of the conversation. Having a distinctive voice, whether people like it or not.
What is the best live gig you have ever been to?
The Stooges, BDO 2006.
Where do you see yourselves in 5 years?
I see myself doing the things I want to do, just like I've always done I suppose. Maybe in five years I might have a kid. We might have five more albums.
How do you keep in contact with your fans?
Myspace and the website, or chatting at the shows. Keeping in touch with people who enjoy the music you make is really important. These days our biggest fans have become my friends through constant correspondence. We try to give as much as we can manage to our fans short of completely bankrupting ourselves pretty much, because we really are grateful to the people who allow us to continue by coming to see us and buying our records. I put a lot of effort these days into keeping in touch with people. A lot of the people who are Mint Chicks fans will go on to do their own things and some of them will achieve bigger and better things than the Mint Chicks, which is a totally amazing thought.
What rumour would you like to start about yourselves?
That we're nice people!
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Hmm...I don't know if I'm worthy to give advice yet but I would say that you have to play and play and play. practise, play shows, jam with your friends, whatever. Take care of the music first. Also don't take anything anyone says about your band to heart, whether it's good or bad. Don't pay much attention to any of it.
The Mint Chicks make spazzy, heavy, poppy music with lyrics about things like sports teams, love, death, obsession, and drug addiction. Take a look at their muzic.net.nz profile for links and more information.
The Septembers
Who are your favourite NZ bands and artists?
the nixons, the bads, straitjacket fits, minuit, neil finn, bailterspace, breakfast of champions, heavy jones trio, the mockers, miriam clancy…
What is your favourite NZ venue?
Well, it was the Odeon Lounge (RIP). Cabaret in Wgtn is a great stage, luxury! Special mention to the Wine Cellar though.
What is the best thing about being in The Septembers?
Gigs like our ep release. In jokes about heels. Road-trip photo competitions. Listening to what ever Anthony wants. Knowing how to celebrate birthdays. Playing The Exorcist live.
What is the best live gig you have ever been to?
Wilco, just before they released Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Or Echo and the Bunnymen on a beach in Spain.
Where do you see yourselves in 5 years?
We're just getting started as far as recording goes. So in our own loft/studio overlooking the west coast, getting lost in recording that much anticipated mind-blowing third album. Inbetween bbq's, interviews with Mojo magazine and visits from Terence Malick (he's filming a doco on us).
How do you keep in contact with your fans?
Gig gig gig. We're slightly less about blogs and more about getting out there and playing the songs. Writing songs that connect. Talking, drinking, singing. That sort of thing, the virtual kind of contact mostly. Mostly. You can still email us!
What rumour would you like to start about yourselves?
The Septembers will get a grant from NZ On Air in their lifetime.
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Listen to all the good stuff, then forget it all and write your own songs. But make sure they're your own.
The Septembers are an intensely melodic mix of the acoustic and electric. You can find more information on their muzic.net.nz profile page.
What's New!
New Artists
The following new artists have been added to muzic.net.nz recently. Check them out:
Infinite Flying Kick
Blood Stain Blue
Paul McLaney
Opening the Pandora's Box on music...
I remember coming across this service a long time ago, and someone reminded me about it a few days ago. Pandora allows you to search for a band/musician that you like and then plays music that sounds like them. You can rate or hate the selections it gives you and it will further refine the choices.
An awesome tool that lets you effectively create your own radio station and there's loads of Kiwi stuff on there too.
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Noah Kahan - END OF BEGINNING
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Future And Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar - ESPRESSO
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