Newsletter Issue #462: 06 Jul 2014
15 years of muzic.net.nz
We are over halfway through 2014 already, and what a year it has been for New Zealand music.
This year muzic.net.nz is celebrating its 15th year anniversary, and we're holding a bunch of competitions to celebrate. Keep an eye on our facebook page for more details.
In less exciting news, in the past months we've seen the closure of two of Wellington's live music hubs; Cuba street's Mighty Mighty and Puppies, brainchild of Camp a Low Hum's Ian Jorgenson. I've been given Jorgenson's (perhaps better known as Blink) two part essay collection The Problem With Music in New Zealand and How to Fix It & Why I Started and Ran Puppies for review. The title really does say it all, and it really does paint a grim picture or the state of the industry. I'll go into more detail in my review, which will be up on the site during July.
The essay collection and the closing address from New Zealand Music website the Corner, which also decided to call it quits this past month, pose the question; Is this the beginning of end for New Zealand music?
Hell no! Just look at all the reviews for all the amazing new New Zealand music we've done over the past year. There is more New Zealand music being produced in bedrooms and studios all around the country than ever before, and we live in a time where this music has never been more accessible. To all you bands out there; Don't stop making music! Keep releasing amazing music, and keep sending it to us here at muzic.net.nz and we'll happily review it and promote it for you, free of charge.
- Peter
Devilskin
Devilskin is a four piece band from Hamilton formed in June 2010, they already have guts, class, kudos and confidence. The sum total of a determined and accomplished group of musicians who know what they want, the music is organic, dynamic and real. Thanks to Paul for answering the following questions:
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Paul Martin (bass) |
Who are your role models in the NZ music industry?
Shaun Joyce, Wayne Elliott and Rik Bernards (Knightshade)
Which one of your songs are you most proud of, and why?
On Rise I am most proud of the track Surrender. I love the groove and I wrote the lyrics about my wife. A very close second is Burning Tree I love the dynamics and the lyrics are very personal to me.
Do you have any plans for future collaborations with other musicians? Who would they be?
No, not really. Just happy doing Devilskin stuff but if Tony Lommi or Glenn Hughes were to ask me…
Where is your favourite place to relax in NZ?
Any beach in Northland
What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?
Saidaya, Subtract, 8 Foot Sativa, Cripple Mr Onion, Team Kill, World War Four and 8-Forty-8 because they are all world class bands I believe in who write great songs.
What is the one thing you want NZ to know about Devilskin?
Our passion and that we take our band, our songwriting very seriously.
How would you describe Devilskin’s music in one sentence?
A blend of searing melodies and beautiful dynamics, evocative and contagious.
What has been your most memorable show to date?
Wagstock in Christchurch, holy crap! The crowd was insane.
What local albums have you been enjoying recently?
8 Foot Sativa - The Shadow Masters. Curlys Jewels - No Apostrophe, Frozen Alice – The Torino Scale. Team Kill – Age Of Disease.
What is Devilskin’s long term goal?
To tour, release albums and videos and have people all over the world hear our music. Basically to continue doing what we love.
What sets you apart from other bands?
A number of things. Mainly our work ethic, Jennie’s incredible voice and our songwriting. Having a father & son in the band, evil twins on guitars. Our professionalism and our dedication to our fans and to our shows.
Where do you get your inspiration to create music from?
The maelstrom that is my mind…
What can we expect to see from Devilskin over the next year?
A number one album! A live album and DVD, international tours.
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Stick to your guns and shoot ‘em if you have to!
Tell us about Devilskin’s next release.
The next single is in our opinion, our biggest song yet. We are planning on shooting the video on a glacier with a real mastodon.
What can you never leave home without?
Music! My rings.
What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?
To be honest I’ve not really had any with Devilskin… However a constant source of fun and embarrassment for others is that Nail and I are always getting mistaken for each other so we like to swap identities and mess with people.
What inspired you to start Devilskin?
I wanted to hear Jennie sing. She wasn’t in a band at the time. Purely selfish reasons on my part!
How did you come up with the name Devilskin?
Jennie wrote some poignant lyrics to the song Fade, one of the first tunes we wrote, the lyrics were about a soured relationship and it struck me that people can act like they want by wearing a different skin. Some people will wear a Devils skin to act like a devil take it off and pretend they’re a saint.
What rumour would you like to start about Devilskin?
They will be bigger than Ben Hur!
Devilskin is Jennie Skulander (vocals), The Nail (guitar), Paul Martin (bass) and Nic Martin (drums).
Website Links
Muzic.net.nz Page
Official Website
Amplifier Page
Facebook Page
Twitter Page
Devilskin Announce We Rise Album Release And Tour (Press Release)
Tour Feature
Ghetto Sunrise
Ghetto Sunrise hail from the city streets of Auckland and play a bombastic fusion of reggae, ska, dubstep and electronica. They bring you a fine fusion of drum n bass, dubstep and live electronica, with their music being reviewed as punchy, catchy and easy to listen to. Thanks to Joel for answering the following questions:
Who are your role models in the NZ music industry?
My role models in the music industry are the unsung heroes. People like the staff at Muzic.net.nz and all the others out there that slug their guts out and spend their weekends reviewing material and plugging away on behalf of us musicians. I also take my hat off to all the unsung bands out there. I'm constantly blown away by the awesome new sh#t I'm hearing online.
Which one of your songs are you most proud of, and why?
Probably Into the Void. It's an epic tune that fuses so many genres together. If you like Tool, you will like this song, if you like Shapeshifter you will like this song or if you like Skrillex and Cypress Hill you will like this song. It's a trip and a half.
Do you have any plans for future collaborations with other musicians? Who would they be?
Yep, this album featured Emma P. Our first record with collaboration of any kind. Talks are well underway for who will be on our next stuff. What I am interested in and we haven't discussed yet is getting some guest producers involved on the next record.
Where is your favourite place to relax in NZ?
Port Charles, Coromandel.
What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?
Empire, Laughtons new band - cause I have no idea what they sound like and it's probably epical as.
Logic Defies Logic and Fornax Chemica- Because they are NZ's 2 most underrated instrumental bands in history. That's a fact, not an opinion.
Kulus - Cause they have paid their dues and ooze metal integrity.
What is the one thing you want NZ to know about Ghetto Sunrise?
Unexpect the expected.
How would you describe Ghetto Sunrise’s music in one sentence?
Butterflies and Chainsaws.
What has been your most memorable show to date?
Probably playing with 1814 at the studio last year. It was a sell out show and those boys are just always full of good hearty spirits.
What local albums have you been enjoying recently?
Logic Defies Logic EP. The Fornax EP. The new SOM and MC Tali's new tune on www.theaudience.co.nz.
What is Ghetto Sunrise’s long term goal?
Writing fusion music and being innovative is where it will always be at for us.
Where do you get your inspiration to create music from?
Film, society, surroundings, food, mental stimulants and what ever else is striking a chord at the time.
What can we expect to see from Ghetto Sunrise over the next year?
GS will continue the battle to get this underground movement into mainstream media, a couple of tours and no doubt some more dub tunes for summer.
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Keep the faith.
Tell us about Ghetto Sunrise’s next release.
It's a heavy amalgamation of drum n bass, dub step, jungle, metal, rock, trip hop and Rap. Get a copy today, invite your mates over, get messy and blast that sh#t. If you can't afford a copy email me personally at: [email protected] and I'll send you a copy. You are missing out otherwise, but don't take my word for it download the single free.
What can you never leave home without?
Bose HP's.
What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?
There is an explosive story about the end of five day constipation, 2 litres of prune juice, two intoxicated groupies and a green banana, all set to the idyllic backdrop of an Auckland traffic jam. But that one will keep for a more sordid publication.
What inspired you to start Ghetto Sunrise?
I needed to start something different. Something I didn't have to write within a genre for. Something liberating, musically and lyrically.
How did you come up with the name Ghetto Sunrise?
To me it's two almost juxtaposing words that create a symbolic image in my mind. To me it means that even over the depression of the slums the sun still rises ever day. Keep the faith cause they can't take love or sunshine away baby!
What rumour would you like to start about Ghetto Sunrise?
We aren't rejected shaven space apes practicing musical telepathy.
Ghetto Sunrise are Joel C Blood (guitar, vocals, programming), Bsey (bass, synths) and Josh Burke (guitar, backing vocals).
Website Links
Muzic.net.nz Page
Official Website
Amplifier Page
MySpace Page
Facebook Page
Twitter Page
Youtube Page
The Audience Page
NZ Band Ghetto Sunrise Release Debut Album (Press Release)
Interview with Joel C Blood from Ghetto Sunrise
Ghetto Sunrise Album Review
One Drop Love EP Review
Ashei
There are a myriad of ways to describe NZ rock outfit, Ashei, but one word that really summarises their so-far 5 year journey in sharing their music is simply: determination. Bursting on to the scene in 2009 led by a unique female voice that reaches both the gritty angst and delicate reservedness of the vocal spectrum, Ashei have shown they are an independent Kiwi rock band to really watch with their shared passion for intense live performance and honest song writing. Thanks to Emma for asking the following questions.
Which one of your songs are you most proud of, and why?
Our next single from the EP, Cracked and Torn. We just think it's the best song we've ever written and it means a lot to us.
What is the one thing you want NZ to know about Ashei?
That we are going on tour this month! Come see us in Chch (5th), Akl (11) and Wgn (12)! Check our Facebook for more info.
How would you describe Ashei’s music in one sentence?
Solid rock music with honest lyrics and catchy hooks
What is Ashei’s long term goal?
To be able to make a career out of our passion - to be able to do this for the rest of our lives
What sets you apart from other bands?
Our unique sound resulting from some quirky influences from all over the musical landscape and real individual styles of writing and performing.
What can we expect to see from Ashei over the next year?
Touring, more releases, bigger and better things!
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Don't stop.
Tell us about Ashei’s next release.
Our next release is our debut record, titled Music is Boring. It's a 5-track EP which is in no way boring. Or at least we don't think it is!
What inspired you to start Ashei?
A passion for making music we enjoy and wanting to connect with other people over that music.
How did you come up with the name Ashei?
Our first bass player's Mum is a landscape architect - we found it in a horticulture book in her home office where we used to practise when we started out. It's part of the latin name for a tree that makes gin! We all hate gin though... we liked the word!
What rumour would you like to start about Ashei?
We're Lorde's favourite band.
Ashei is Emma Cameron (vocals, guitar), Liam Muir (guitar), Daniel Perry (drums) and Curtis Booth (bass).
Website Links
Muzic.net.nz Page
Official Website
Amplifier Page
Facebook Page
Twitter Page
Youtube Page
Bandcamp Page
Soundcloud Page
Instagram Page
Bright Eyes Single Review
Tour Feature
Ashei's new EP Music Is Boring will be released on July 4, 2014.
Pre-order from:
www.ashei.bandcamp.com
Stream Ashei's new EP (try before you buy) from:
www.ashei.bandcamp.com and www.youtube.com/asheiband
Download their first single, Bright Eyes, from the EP
www.ashei.bandcamp.com/track/bright-eyes or https://soundcloud.com/asheiband/bright-eyes
AUS/NZ Tour Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/773719092662882/?fref=ts
Ashei announce release date of Debut EP 'Music is Boring' and NZ/Aus Tour (Press Release)
New Single for Ashei (Press Release)
The Response
Determined to faithfully translate their expansive albums from tape to stage, The Response have crafted a live show that utilizes every one of their limbs and will leave you wondering how two people can make so much noise. Thanks to Andy and Vic for answering the following questions:
What has been your most memorable show to date?
We played at a place in Christchurch called the Milk Bar. It turned out to be a Milk Bar. When you go into this place you are greeted by about a thousand old school arcade machines and a couple of pool tables, but no sign of a stage or anything. So we asked one of the 'bar' staff if we had the right place and they escorted us through the kitchen to a secret black out back room. It wasn't our usual crowd. We were playing with an experimental electronic act and a hardcore band. We got a sweet rider of hot chips and milkshakes as we witnessed a horse playing a chicken at pool.
What local albums have you been enjoying recently?
We tend to do record swaps with bands we play with around the country so we get to know a bit of local stuff that way. Still loving The Map Room album and the Tom Lark EP. Also, liking the new Doprah EP out recently.
What sets you apart from other bands?
I guess the most obvious thing is even though we are a duo, we still play as a duo live. My (Andy) duties as vocals and guitar are pretty standard but Vic has her work cut out for her playing bass with her feet, drums and samples as well as glockenspiel. We like to think we produce a pretty full sound and it makes splitting our enormous royalty cheques easier.
What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?
Ok, so for our last album Familiar Ache we were cutting it fine getting our physical copies back from the printing place but we got them all the day before the gig (Yay!). We played our show and sold some albums, gave each other a high five and went home. The next day we got a text from a friend who was at the show commenting on our 'experimental' third track (which should have been our most accessible poppy tune). Somehow, the duplicators had replaced our 'single' with a 10 minute instrumental Indian Sitar and Water drum spectacular. We managed to recover and replace hopefully all the records we sold that night.
Tell us about The Response’s next release.
The new album North of Nowhere was quite a different process for us. Usually we like to write music in bursts and it comes together as an album but this time we just went nuts writing songs and pooled them together to choose what made the album. We culled it down from 60-70 tracks and picked the 10 we felt we most wanted to share. The result is pretty varied but that's a big part of our sound so it fits pretty well. It's taken a while to get out but we are finally releasing it on the 4th of July 2014.
The Response is Andrew and Victoria Knopp.
Website Links
Muzic.net.nz Page
Official Website
Amplifier Page
Facebook Page
Twitter Page
Youtube Page
Bandcamp Page
iTunes Page
Christchurch band The Response release new album (Press Release)
NZ Music News
Battle of the Bands 2014 National Championship - Entries Now Open
Entries are now open for the Battle of the Bands 2014 National Championship. With a huge prize pool up for grabs plus new regions and venues added; the 2014 event is shaping up to be a huge year for the annual nationwide band contest now in its 19th year.
The Battle of the Bands National Championship is New Zealand’s largest and longest running R18 Band competition; events take place nationwide, allowing bands throughout the country to take part. Started in 1993, The NZ Battle of the Bands has helped the careers of many well-known New Zealand artists, including OpShop, Tadpole & Blindspott to name just a few. 3 months of eliminations will be held at multiple live music venues throughout the country. Each venue hosts a series of heats, semi-finals and regional finals. Throughout the event, judging and voting determines each region's champions; who then represent their region at the National Final in Auckland.
The 2014 event will comprise of over 50 live shows from September until December. We recommend bands enter now to ensure a placement at their nearest venue.
The June Wildcard Chart belongs to Drax Project
Wellington newcomers Drax Project have shown a taste of what’s to come for the band, by winning http://www.theaudience.co.nz's Wildcard Funding Chart for June 2014. The Drax boys jumped out to an early lead on the chart with their freshly recorded song Real, and held it for almost the entire month. They did have to stave off challenges from Winston Anthony, Ghetto Sunrise and a late push from Rob Vegas and Will Singe, but in the end, Drax Project had enough support behind them to stay on top right until the end.
theaudience.co.nz spoke to Drax Project after their win, and they had some kind words for everybody that’s backed them so far: "It feels amazing to get such support from people, for doing what we love to do. All those people you've met over the years that help you out when you need it. Couldn't believe how much support we had from everyone. Obviously, we couldn't have done it without them! Thank you to everybody that's helped!"
NZ Children's Music Awards 2014 Finalists Announced
The Children’s Music Awards celebrate the storytellers, the rhymers, the singers and groovers who write and perform the songs that ignite a love for music in New Zealand children. Music universally brings a magical joy to the senses and plays an especially pivotal role in our children’s lives, spinning their stories and swaying their souls.
The Children’s Music Awards for song, video and album are rapidly garnering public interest, with entries from some of our children’s favourites alongside artists better known on mainstream radiowaves.
iHeartRadio launches The Official NZ Top 40 Chart
iHeartRadio has launched the ‘Official NZ Top 40 Weekly Chart’. The chart will be updated every Friday evening and is 100% free via the iHeartRadio app and website.
“It all came about when the team was reminiscing about watching the weekly Top 40 chart on TV every Sunday morning,” says Carolyn Luey, Group GM Product & Digital at The Radio Network.
“Recorded Music NZ currently releases the Official NZ Top 40 Chart every Friday on their website. The chart represents New Zealanders broad tastes in all music genres, and it is this list that iHeartRadio will stream and update every week”.
“The Official NZ Top 40 is a reliable ranking of the most popular music, based on digital and physical single sales authorised by Recorded Music New Zealand” says Luey. “We are excited to offer this service on iHeartRadio. Music fans of all ages can keep up to date with the latest music trends at their convenience through the iHeartRadio app or on their computer – wherever and whenever they want – and best of all it is free”.
National Country Music Awards 2014
Kiwi Pro-Am presents the 2014 National Country Music Awards at Hamilton’s Founders Theatre on Saturday 16 August.
Featuring some of New Zealand’s brightest country music stars in annual star-studded red carpet awards and show night, this year’s special guests include The Howie Morrison Trio, Pat & Brendan Dugan, Leslie Nia Nia, Kylie Austin and Australia’s Morgan Evans.
NZ Musicians - Tours and Releases
Corona Announces Winter Airstream Tour Like Snow Other
NZ Band Ekko Park Reaches An International Audience
Broods Announce Album Release Date!!
Die! Die! Die! announce new album details share first single and video
Stormporter’s shiny new single & video – Sparkle Shimmer Shine – out now!
Backbiters Beware - Tipare releases new single
Shihad’s New Album FVEY Is Available To Pre-Order Now!
Kora & Katchafire with Sunshine Sound System | First show sold out - Second show added!
Aldous Harding Vinyl Presale and Digital Release via Flying Out
Tiny Ruins Crystal Palace show sells out
Rhythm And Vines Brings Glastonbury To 2014 Festival
Doprah Release 'Stranger People' Video
Northern Bass Confirms Return For New Years Eve 2014/15
Little Lapin fundraiser gig at Birdlings Flat
P-Money x Buckshot: ‘BackPack Travels’ Album & Merch Out Now!
Luckless release new single and video
ASTON RD SESSIONS: Thomas Oliver - 'Boy' Live
Christchurch band The Response release new album
The Naked and Famous Announce Release of In Rolling Waves Deluxe/Remix Album!!
Check Out The Brand New Video For Jeremy Redmore's New Single
Creative Capital Arts Trust proudly announce CubaDupa
Doprah release 'Whatever You Want' video
Midge Marsden & Band To Play The Great South Pacific Tuning Fork This July!
Bastille To Headline Both Rhythm And Vines And Rhythm And Alps Festivals In 2014
Cocoa Jackson Lane release new video 'Fall on My Floor'
Thomas Oliver July Shows
Broods Head Out On The Evergreen Tour!
I Am Giant Add Ohakune Date To Science & Survival Album Tour
Kimbra To Release New Album On August 15
Luckless announce new album and NZ tour
The Zoup release ‘Symbiotic’
Liam Finn presents the official Video for "Burn Up The Road"
Jeremy Redmore To Release Debut Solo Album Clouds Are Alive On July 25
Ashei announce release date of Debut EP 'Music is Boring' and NZ/Aus Tour
Midnight Gallery To Release Debut Album On July 18
I Am Giant Reveal Album Artwork and Tracklisting For Sophmore Album 'Science & Survival'
I Am Giant Announce Support Bands - Science & Survival Album Tour
International Musicians - Tours
Wagons - back in town for two shows only!
"History Of The Eagles" Tour - Auckland Shows sell out!
Angus And Julia Stone Tour Announcement
Vector Arena by arrangement with Artist Voice present: Howling Bells at The Tuning Fork
Boy and Bear announce NZ shows
Nick Cave New Zealand Concert Announce - December 2014
Bob Dylan Announces Second Hamilton Show
Kina Grannis To Play First Show In NZ!
NZ Music News
Gig and Tour News
Artist News
Muzic.net.nz News
New Artists
The following musicians have been added to the muzic.net.nz website during June:
Add yourself or your band to muzic.net.nz!
Add Artist Form
Info about filling out the add artist form
New Reviews
Check out our latest reviews at the links below:
The Difference Engine - The World According To The Difference Engine Album Review
Written by Rodrigo
Huia Veale - Waiting for You Single Review
Written by Ria
Junelle - Just This Sky EP Review
Written by Carl
Doprah self-titled EP Review
Written by Peter
Blacklistt @ Bodega 24/05/2014
Written by Aaron
Ghetto Sunrise Album Review
Written by Chris
Social Shun - The Garden of Sweden Album Review
Written by Peter
Popstrangers - Fortuna Album Review
Written by Tony
Songs From The Inside Vol II Album Review
Written by Kate
Bailey Wiley - IXL EP Review
Written by Kate
Beck's New Zealand Music Month 2014 Compilation
Written by Peter
Scalper - My Blood Your Blood and Puppets Singles Reviews
Written by Peter
All of our reviews can be read here.
Reviewers and Photographers Wanted
We are currently looking for more reviewers and photographers to join the muzic.net.nz team. Contact [email protected] if you are interested.
New Photos
Sons of Zion
The Phoenix Foundation
She's So Rad
Photos by Bradley
Hollie Smith
Photos by Calden
Little Bark
Photos by Stella
All of our photo galleries can all be viewed here.
Ghetto Sunrise Interview
Terry interviewed Joel C Blood from Ghetto Sunrise and you can listen to the interview here.
All of our other interviews can be read here.
Competition
We are giving away 2 FREE PROFESSIONAL MUSIC COACHING AND CAREER GUIDANCE SESSIONS with IMNZ Board Member Ryan Kershaw, to be used in Auckland before 1 September 2014. More details are on our facebook page.
Tour Features
All muzic.net.nz features can be viewed here
About muzic.net.nz newsletters
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