What is probably the best season in the entire music calendar, summer, is upon us and with New Years' just around the corner, live music is already exploding across the nation.

The start of summer also brings us this, the last muzic.net.nz newsletter for 2008.

2008 has been an amazing trip for muzic.net.nz, it has been the most fulfilling and active year so far. We had the biggest music month in May, gave away more competitions than any other year before and featured an astounding 60 bands and musicians in these newsletters - that's 15 more than any year previously!

Among those featured were agressive metalers Redline, Sora Shima with their mammoth live sound and popular pop-rockers Streetwise Scarlet along with the talented Katie Thompson and the vibrant George & Queen.

We celebrate 20 years of Shihad and the SmokeFree RockQuest, introduced Diesel Phoenix and told you all about Brutalitees and RW Entertainment.

In this issue we bring you four features, all very unique and different from the next: Figurehead, featuring ex-Brutally Frank vocalist Jeremy; Bowie-inspired rockers The Ramps; the breathtaking and soulful Reb Fountain and brand-new band With Hope.

Before we leave for 2008, we'd like to thank a few people who have helped out during the year; Our reviewers: Matt, John, Adrian, Brenda, Craig, Trevor and Amanda; The people who have been with us from the start: Andrew, Carl and Nathan; Those from record labels; Alec (Hit Your Head), Dean (1157), Felicity (FJD), Ingrid (Dirty), Maria (Liberation), Nicole (Warners), Penny (Loop), and those at Isaac Promotions; And extra special thanks to Rhydian (Action Man - RIP) and Jared (Slave Cadaver, Aethea).

There's definitely too many to mention here, but we would also like to thank every single band and musician that listed your gigs in our gig guide, featured in the newsletter, sent us prizes to give away, put our names on door lists, sent us CDs to have reviewed and featured in our tour features. Muzic.net.nz wouldn't be much if it wasn't for all of this.

The first 2009 issue of this newsletter will go out on 1 February. E-mail Lisa for more details about featuring or advertising in our 2009 newsletters.

Our gig mail outs will continue through the Christmas break. Our extra special New Years Eve and summer festival edition of the gig mail out will go out on 28 December 08.

Make the most of this summer and catch some live NZ music.

- The muzic.net.nz team

Figurehead is comprised of vocalist Jeremy Frank (ex Brutally Frank) and the brothers Allen. (guitarist Matt Allen, bassist Simon Allen, percussionist Leon Allen)

Their sound is hard rock with a metal edge. The band is currently in the process of initial single recordings and has plans to release an EP early 2009.

Thanks to Jeremy for answering these questions:

What is the best gig/event you have ever performed at, and why?

I'd have to say it was our first gig - we had a spent a fair bit of time practicing and sorting out a set so to finally take it to a stage was fantastic - Man I was nervous before it though, had to have a couple of shandies to calm the nerves...

What is your favourite NZ venue?

Personally The Dogs Bollix, the height of the stage and the location means you are more or less above, and in the crowd. It puts real pressure on you to perform at the best of your ability. Also the first time I ever played The Powerstation was awesome, having seen so many great bands there before and since.

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

An LP, a tour of the major cities, some hard graft around Auckland. We'd like to release a charting single and then work off the back of that ideally. Hopefully NZ On Air share some love......!!

What other NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?

High Dependency Unit (HDU) are almost a religious experience and in my opinion one of NZ's most incredible bands. Chuganaut are the hardest working band I've ever met. Slipping Tongue kicked some serious ass but I hear they are no more. I've been keeping my head down last 12 months so I'm not sure who is new and cool and coming through but its good to see an album from Decortica and no doubt The Twitch are keeping on keeping on. Mike and Phil from Brutally Frank are jamming in a band called the Marty Stouffer Experiment and they are well worth a gander!

If you could, what rumour would you start about Figurehead?

That there is this supreme new band kicking around who's amps all go to 11.

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

Buy the best gear you can afford, make sure everyone in your band wants the same things in terms of direction and achievements BEFORE you start out. Take every possible opportunity to play your music to people.

Figurehead is Jeremy Frank (vocals), Matt Allen (guitar), Simon Allen (bass) and Leon Allen (percussion).

Thanks to Mike for answering these questions:

What is the best gig/event you have ever performed at, and why?

Our best gig was probably the end of North Island Tour show we put on at Subnine in Wellington. We got a great local crowd along topping the 300 mark, and it was awesome to be home after a long stretch on the road.

What is your favourite NZ venue?

We love Happy in Wellington on the corner of Vivian and Tory. It's small, underground, and has this incredibly up-close and personal vibe that suits us really well.

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

We've changed our sound completely recently. Our new drummer Eamon is an amazing dance drummer, which made us rethink everything. The new sound is edgy, upbeat and dark. All three of those things surprised us. So did sounding a bit like a modern version of Duran Duran, but hey, they were ace so why not? We'll be writing and recording until we've got at least an Eps worth of killer material. We realised long ago there's no point playing gigs all around the country unless you've got something AMAZING recorded. Get that single done, get it on the radio and then do a gig in another city supporting someone else you like. That's our plan anyway. New single on its way January 2009. Check www.theramps.com for more info.

What other NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?

Our mates Black Dhalia and Donor Feedback are both incredible local bands on the Wellington scene that the nation needs to know about. I also really love Thought Creature's new album.

If you could, what rumour would you start about The Ramps?

Our guitarist is related to Simon Le Bon and I'm mates with Jim Morrison's son. Our drummer's dad was in Bauhaus and our bassist's next door neighbour is the previously sexy woman out of the Sisters of Mercy.

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

Be really critical of yourselves. Kill your babies (throw away anything that isn't the best thing you've ever done). Be prolific. Work really hard.

The Ramps are Mike Gwyther (guitar, lead vocals), Shane Madzen (lead guitar, backing vocals), Dave Wynn (bass guitar, backing vocals) and Leon Tussie (drums).

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What is the best gig/event you have ever performed at, and why?

It's a crazy thing to try and nail down the best ever gig when each show is so so different and memorable in it's own way - and it's just that, a memory. My best show is always the one I'm playing - you can't get a better opportunity and feeling than sharing your music in the moment.

What is your favourite NZ venue?

After touring the country with The Bandits I'd have to say it's The Harbour Light Theatre in Lyttleton, Christchurch. The venue is superb - it has beautiful acoustics, is the perfect size for an intimate show that still can seat a great crowd and tom and helen are so welcoming and have managed to retain all the style and character of this great feeling theatre. Go Harbour Light Go!!

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

I have just released my new album 'Holster' so I will be working on sharing that with as many people as I can. I'm also planning on recording over the summer and - fingers crossed - I will be like speedy gonzalez editing it all so I can release it by the end of next year!

What other NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?

I'm a big fan of LA Mitchell - in fact Lauren gave me singing lessons when I used to live in Christchurch. It usually meant we'd end up sunbathing out the back with a gin and some fine harmonies! She's the next big thing in my book. SideKickNick is driving me nuts with his catchy tunes - in a good way - he has a fantastic band and are well worth listening to live and at home.?

If you could, what rumour would you start about yourself?

"Hey have you heard?"
"Nah I haven't."
"Reb's got a new record called 'Holster' and it's fuckin' awesome!"
"Nah - really?"
"Yeah man and guess what?"
"What?"
"You can fuckin' buy it in the shops man."
"Nah bro"
"Yeah bro . . . and get this."
"What?"
"She's got video's you can watch for free on her MySpace page."
"Insane! Quick, tell me the address!"
"It's www.myspace.com/rebfountain
"I don't believe it!"
"Swear on me mum it's true!"
"Wicked."

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

Be true to yourself and keeping making your music - it's a hard road to be a musician and you have to work diligently to create your vision - but, like anything, all you have to do is do it, and keep doing it, and no matter what you'll get there - wherever that may be (:

Reb's debut album 'Holster' is out now.

Website Links:

Muzic.net.nz Profile
MySpace Profile
Amplifier Profile

What is the best gig/event you have ever performed at, and why?

Let's be completely honest. We've never actually played a real gig!

However, we somehow landed the opportunity to play on the Main Stage at Parachute Music Festival 2009! We would love as much help as we can to play, you can vote once a day by going to www.myspace.com/withhopeband and clicking on the banner at the top of our page.

What is your favourite NZ venue?

Zeal, Global Cafe!

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

Well, hopefully a performance on the Main Stage of Parachute 2009! But other than that, we will be releasing an exclusive EP available only at Parachute, and after that we will be releasing an extended version in stores. We've also just received a video grant for our first single! So keep an eye out.

What other NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?

There are some great bands out there, far too many to list!

If you could, what rumour would you start about With Hope?

Family band.

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

Love your fans, work hard, and enjoy the music you play.

Banned NZ music video is big winner at awards

It was the first music video banned by state broadcaster TVNZ since 1987 but that didn't stop filmmakers The Downlow Concept from emerging victorious at the nationwide music video competition Handle the Jandal.

The winners of the prestigious Golden Jandals at the 2008 Radio Active 89FM Handle the Jandal DIY music video competition were announced at a lavish awards party in Wellington last night.

The overall winner went to Auckland's The Downlow Concept, directors of a controversial video for The Hot Grits song Headlights. That video, featuring children drinking milk as if it was hard liquor, was reportedly banned by TVNZ for exploiting children. Unsurprisingly, that video also won the category award for Best Exploitative Tactics.

Radio Active 89FM's Handle the Jandal is the annual competition for Do-It-Yourself New Zealand filmmakers to create music videos for local bands and artists. All videos must be completely self-funded and may only use New Zealand music. This year, 122 entries were received, of which 15 were selected as finalists.

Full Article

Anika Moa & Opshop join forces for music charity

Two of the biggest names in Kiwi music have recorded the Dave Dobbyn classic 'Beside You' to raise funds for the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre.

Anika Moa & Opshop’s cover version of the hit single debuts on MORE FM at 7.30 Monday 1 December and is available for purchase the following week.

The single will sell through The Warehouse for $4.99 and as an online download from Amplifier, iTunes, Digirama, VodafoneVmusic store, and Telecom for $1.75, with the retailers donating every cent raised from sales of the track to the charity.

“The Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre does amazing work helping children to communicate through music,” says Anika Moa. “I have always wanted to help kids using my music so when I was approached and asked to support this, I jumped at the chance. Recording and releasing a single was the obvious way to go.”

Music promoter and Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre chairman Campbell Smith approached Anika and Opshop with the idea of a charity single. The artists were presented with a short list of classic Kiwi songs, as voted for by MORE FM listeners, and after much lively debate they chose to record the Dobbyn track.

Full Article

Real Groovy back in business

Today Chris Hart, founding owner of Real Groovy and Marty O’Donnell, his long-standing business partner, can announce that the 27 year old Auckland business - Real Groovy - is back.

The Auckland store will join forces with the Wellington and Christchurch stores (purchased by local management) in order to bring the nation’s biggest retail chain, selling new, rare and second-hand music, back to its former glory.

As of 05 December 2008, it will be business as usual for customers of Real Groovy Auckland. The Real Groovy (Queen Street) store will be purchasing and trading consumer’s items and issuing and redeeming vouchers as well as credit notes. The Real Groovy website will also issue and redeem online vouchers and take orders.

The ‘Special Orders’ service will also resume, as well as the ‘Real Groovy Club’, where consumers will continue to receive points and bonuses when they are due. Insurance customers will also be able to have their insurance claims fulfilled. Concert tickets will be available to purchase.

Full Article

New album for Tahuna Breaks

According to the Tahuna Breaks MySpace page, they are off to Wellington next week to begin the recording of their next album with Lee Prebble.

Full Article

New Decortica video now online

Decortica's new video, directed by Leah Morgan, is now available on YouTube.

Full Article

Site of the moment: muzic.net.nz @ MySpace

That's right, muzic.net.nz has it's very own MySpace page, and you can check it out here.

Also worth checking out:

Summer Festivals and NYE Events forum
Important 2009 Music Industry Dates
Latest competition winners
New reviews

New Artists

The following musicians were added to the muzic.net.nz website recently. Check them out:

Competitions

Congratulations to M. Hunter (Upper Hutt) and C. Smith (Waitakere) - your tickets for Big Day Out 09 are now on the way!

Don't miss out on your chance to win the following prizes:

	New Zealand's definitive roots compilation - Conscious Roots - is back for the fifth summer in a row. Featuring artists such as Rio Hunuki-Hemopo (Trinity Roots), Cornerstone Roots, Katchafire and four unreleased roots favourites this is a treat in organic music from Aotearoa. Enter here.
	The Funky Monkeys are New Zealand's own musical super-group for kids! Prize pack includes 2x CDs (Jungle Party, Get Up Go!) and a Funky Monkeys badge. The perfect Xmas gift for your son/daughter/niece/nephew/cousin!! Enter here.
	'Slave Girls From Beyond Infinity' is the debut album from Wellington death metal/grindcore act Slave Cadaver. The album features all new material plus live videos of four songs. Enter here.
	Celebrate 10 years of The Feelers with all their hits on one great album! 18 of the best tracks from 1998 to 2008. Enter here.

Reb Fountain album review

I was a little skeptical when I received this Album to review having being told that she has a similar style to Anika Moa. Okay, her voice does sound similar but that’s about where the similarities end.

Reb has a more folk, country sound with a blues influence that on occasions is just breath taking. Personally, I would rank her one of the best songwriters NZ has seen in a while with beautiful, soulful, easy listening, heart-rending melodies.

Read the full review here

Photo Galleries

Thanks to Amanda Ratcliffe, we now have a huge selection of gig photos on muzic.net.nz. A selection of these are shown below:

• 1
  Anxiety Club
• 2
  Devilskin
• 3
  Coridian
• 4
  Take Hold
• 5
  Skinny Hobos
• 6
  L.A.B.
• 7
  Head Like A Hole
• 8
  Shihad
• 9
  Villainy
• 10
  Katchafire

• 
  When The Cats Away @ Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington - 21/04/2024
• 
  Luke Buda @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 20/04/2024
• 
  Phoebe Rings @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 20/04/2024
• 
  Geoff Ong @ Big Fan, Auckland - 19/04/2024

• 1
  TOO SWEET
  Hozier
• 2
  BEAUTIFUL THINGS
  Benson Boone
• 3
  LOSE CONTROL
  Teddy Swims
• 4
  I LIKE THE WAY YOU KISS ME
  Artemas
• 5
  SATURN
  SZA
• 6
  STICK SEASON
  Noah Kahan
• 7
  END OF BEGINNING
  Djo
• 8
  LIKE THAT
  Future And Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar
• 9
  ESPRESSO
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 10
  WE CAN'T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)
  Ariana Grande

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