Welcome to March everyone!
They say it's now Autumn, I say no way! Look at the fantastic sunshine we've been getting of late. Autumn won't begin until the leaves start changing, so I hope you're all still making the most of getting out and enjoying the plethora of live music our country has to offer.
In this issue, we have some nostalgia looking back at music 10 years ago. Wow, doesn't that make you feel old? We had some great bands and musicians that have been and gone or evolved. Elsewhere in this issue we have some suburb features from Black Alpine and Cheshire Grimm, as well as all our great music news, including what you need to know about the upcoming Portobello Jazz Music Festival.
And a quick update from Mishap, following from our last newsletter;
Mishap have told us that their new EP will now be released on 8 April and they are currently in the process of creating a music video for their single Not Feeling This. They will also be completing a North Island tour including Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North and Wellington.
- Kerry and the Muzic.net.nz team
NZ music is constantly evolving, constantly receiving more attention and constantly improving for the better. Every year there's another new band or musician taking their music to new heights, and every year there are countless new releases that are nothing short of impressive. NZ music has proven time and time again that anything is possible and there's no doubt that we will be hearing more incredible music coming from our shores in the future.
Since 2007 a lot has happened within the industry; bands have come and gone (Streetwise Scarlet (pictured), Black Chrome, Atlas, Ois II Men, Prolepsis and Axis Mile to name a few) while others are still standing strong (Jakob, DateMonthYear, These Four Walls etc.). Agent, Rival State and Like A Storm have all headed overseas where they're still performing to this day, while others changed their names - Antagonist changed to Antagonist A.D., Batucada Sound Machine changed to B2KDA, Some bands even underwent complete transformations with Inverse Order becoming Villainy, Ashei becoming Decades and Stitches becoming Armed in Advance.
Back in 2007 one of our favourite record labels was Action Man Records, who gave us the likes of The Wrongmen, Strangers and Damaged and it wasn't the best news to hear of their demise the following year. Thankfully other incredible labels are still alive and well, including 1157 Records and Hit Your Head Music.
The Big Day Out was the largest music festival in play, and 2007 performers included Lily Allen (UK), Lupe Fiasco (USA), Kasabian (UK), The Streets (UK) and The Crystal Method (USA). NZ acts included Blindspott, Jakob, Goodnight Nurse and Sinate.
Other highlights of 2007 included the 6th Schools Tour, which featured Streetwise Scarlet and Falter and took place during June, and the 14th annual Fringe Festival.
Other tours that happened during 2007 include those for Mon Ami, These Four Walls, The Wrongmen, Agent, Magnum Opus, Antagonist, The Phoenix Foundation, Ruptus Jack, Big Blue Blanket, Slave Cadaver, Ritalin, Rubix Cuba, Kitsch & Cobra Khan, 8 Foot Sativa and Quarter 2.
NZ Music Month was also full of musical goodness; The Rabble released a new video for their single The Coast Song, a song dedicated to their home of the Hibiscus Coast, False Start returned from an Australian tour and released their album Adore Tu Ser and These Four Walls released their single Don't Walk Away.
As well as all that, NZ Music Month had a season of four documentaries focusing on key local music stories on Sky's Documentary Channel, C4 ran a few Music Month features, NZ Music Month t-shirts were being sold at Hallensteins, and the Music Month launch party took place at the Dux de Lux in Christchurch with Fur Patrol, Pine and Dukes. 2007 was also the year that the Dux de Lux was celebrating its 30th anniversary - a venue which is now sadly missed, following the Christchurch earthquakes.
Speaking of the Dux de Lux, Bang! Bang! Eche! won the Dux de Lux RounDUp in 2007.
The major award shows also played an important part in the year; with awards going to such acts as Little Bushman, Coco Solid and The Mint Chicks at the bNet Awards, Spacifix were the big winners at the Pacific Music Awards and it was a multi-tui night at the NZ Music Awards for Hollie Smith and The Mint Chicks. Evermore and Brooke Fraser also took home two awards each. The NZ MMF Manager of the Year Awards also went out to deserving recipients.
Other award winners during the year included DJ Josh McEntee aka JMC, who won the Rumble in the Jungle championship and Eve de Castro-Robinson who took home the SOUNZ Contemporary Award and the top sellers for 2007, according to IMNZ, included Hollie Smith, Kora and Shapeshifter.
As the years have passed, NZ music has started to dominate the world stage with the likes of Lorde and Broods, we've seen the formation of some incredible organisations who promote NZ music; Under The Radar, Libel and Depot Sound, to name a few, and the exceptional NZ-music driven festival Jim Beam Homegrown held 10th anniversary (sold-out) show this weekend.
As well as that, Songwriting is now in schools as an NZQA qualification, Play It Strange also shines the spotlight on songs in schools. We've also seen the creation of the Crescendo Trust of Aotearoa (learn more about the CToA here), Audio Culture and the Going Global Music Summit. And, of course, muzic.net.nz has been here throughout all of this.
NZ music really is on the up and up, and it's only going to get better from here.
Cheshire Grimm's new EP Rain or Shine is an outstanding second release for this 4-piece Melancholic Wonder / Prog-Alt-Pop-Glitter band, evolving their sound into something that is more distinctive and refined. Due for release on 10 March, the EP includes the track Awaken, and it was co-produced by Ben King (Goldenhorse, Brooke Fraser, Dave Dobbyn) and recorded/mixed by Paul Lawrence at Roundhead Studios/Revaulting Records in Auckland. Thanks to Lora for answering these questions:
If you could perform with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
We've been lucky enough so far to share stages with some of NZ and Australia's finest. Though if we could bring back dead people, Kurt Cobain would be pretty awesome!
Which one of your songs are you most proud of, and why?
We are super proud of our latest EP Rain or Shine – some of these songs we've already been playing for four years or more, and some we've written last year.
We've just shot a video clip for our song Jimmy, which we can't wait to have finished.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn't heard it before?
Melancholic/alt/pop/glitter/rock.
What can we expect to see from you in the next year?
We've got a video clip to release and we're about to go into hibernation for the winter and begin the writing of our full length album – unless of course an amazing offer comes up that we can't refuse!
What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?
Decades! We still haven't seen them live but absolutely loving Emma's 'Good for a Girl' project.
What local albums have you been enjoying recently?
I've been secretly previewing the up-coming Logic Defies Logic record – and its sounding wicked.
What is your favourite NZ venue, and why?
Yot Club Raglan – We love the summer crowd, the vibe and everything else – the stage is on eye-level with the audience so it makes for an intimate performance.
Have you got any tips for dealing with nerves before a gig?
Whiskey.
How do you balance your music with other obligations; family, job etc.?
We're completely independent and do all our own bookings, promotion and management as well as fulltime work and Kat is a full time mum also.
Sometimes it's challenging to say the least but we do our best.
We are so grateful for the support network of friends and family that help us get through.
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Editor Note: Cheshire Grimm will be performing with Brendon Thomas and the Vibes, Skinny Hobos and Bakers Eddy on 18 March at REC, Auckland, and at the Sundaise Festival in the Bay of Plenty on 11 March.
Cheshire Grimm are Kat Waswo (vocals), Lora Thompson (vocals, guitar), Dan Reese (bass)
and Sam Holdom (drums).
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Gig Review: Cheshire Grimm @ Backbeat, Auckland - 2/12/2016
Single Review: Awaken
Black Alpine are departing for Melbourne, Australia at the end of March to play shows on that side of the ditch for some time. They will also be focusing on writing more music to record and release.
Before then, They will be performing on 11 March at the Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland to celebrate. They will be playing with their friends in Deathnir, Blood Buffalo and Leathur Tattoo. Thanks Patrick for answering these questions:
If you could perform with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Probably Kiss, they have been a huge influence for the whole band.
Which one of your songs are you most proud of, and why?
Can't Get Rid Of You sums up our music pretty well, probably the most fun to play live too.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn't heard it before?
We get all kinds of comparisons but I would say some of our biggest influences are from Kiss, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin and Thin Lizzy and it reflects that in our music.
What can we expect to see from you in the next year?
We are leaving for Melbourne at the end of March, we will do some shows over there and have a change of scenery. Will be writing a lot more music together and hopefully have another release to show from it.
What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?
Blood Buffalo and Leathur Tattoo - both awesome bands that I cant wait to hear more music released by.
What local albums have you been enjoying recently?
Dead Teach The Living and His Master's Voice are often being played, both great.
What is your favourite NZ venue, and why?
Ding Dong Lounge would be my favourite, always the most fun there.
Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?
Get out there and do it. Booking and promoting a show is easy enough to do, go to more local shows to see how they are done and to meet other bands.
Black Alpine are Dionize (vocals, guitar), AK (guitar), Jimmy Campi (drums)
and Banjo Paterson (bass, backing vocals)
During the weekend of 10-12th March, the Otago Peninsula will be swinging to the sound of rhythm and blues. Cafés, restaurants and more unusual venues will open their doors to talented local, national and international musicians.
The Portobello Blues Festival has grown this year, with many more venues wanting to be involved and this, from both sides of the Otago Peninsula. Festival goers will be able to catch the ‘Wheels Over Water’ water taxi service to get from one side to the other, and move around safely whilst enjoying a wee shandy. A Blues Cruise, run by the Otago Heritage Bus Society will also run from and to Dunedin on Friday and Saturday evening to make coming to the Festival a no-brainer as far as responsible transport is concerned.
“It is really pleasing to see so many cafés, restaurants and even an art gallery embrace the Festival spirit and getting involved. The idea is to recreate something similar to the music ‘rallies’ that are so popular in Europe,” says, Isabelle Prosser, Festival Director. “It’s also a great way to bring more focus to Portobello as the gateway to the most amazing wildlife and scenery this country has to offer. People are travelling from as far North as Auckland for the weekend and many have never been to the Peninsula before, so this is a great introduction to this precious area.”
The younger crowd will have the opportunity to enter the Talent Quest (for 11-21 year olds), with the first prize winner getting the opportunity to play on the main stage on Saturday night.
The highlight of the Festival is Stevie Ray Vaughan Tribute concert performed by Tony Painting and The Power who are known as Australasia’s top SRV cover band, recreating an incredible likeness in sound and style to the great legend himself. That concert is on Friday night and tickets are selling fast.
Also, not to be missed are the English duo The Fabulous Murray Brothers, who began playing together over 25 years ago and pretty much all over the planet. Their talent have been recognised internationally when playing alongside members of Van Morrison, Tom Jones, Queen, ACDC, Simply Red, to name a few.
There’s plenty of national and local talent too, with the Strait Shooters – collaboration between The Federation and Strange Brew. Popular Dunedin bands also feature on the programme: Bluestone, Jules & the Jam-Man, Bulletproof Convertible, Ambulant and Valley Bluegrass.
A good festival wouldn’t be complete without delicious food and drinks. The Street Food Village will serve up an array of appetizing morsels ranging from pork sliders to samosas, and from paella to chimney cakes. Brand new Canterbury boutique brewery Southpaw will run a beer tasting and their delicious American Pale Ale and IPA will be on tap for avid beer lovers to enjoy.
More information on www.portobellobluesfestival.co.nz
Independent Music NZ (IMNZ) is pleased to reveal several exciting changes to this years’ Taite Music Prize 2017 – a new partner, a new venue and a brand new award!
With the Taite Music Prize now in its eighth year, IMNZ is thrilled to welcome Auckland Live as its new event partner. As a result of this freshly minted collaboration, a move to the spectacularly unique Wintergarden at The Civic will ensure that the Taite Music Prize will retain its reputation as one of the most prestigious music events in the nation’s calendar. Additionally, in recognition of this association, a brand new award has been created - the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award. Nominations for this terrific new award are now open, for more details go to: http://www.indies.co.nz/
The Taite Music Prize recognises outstanding creativity for an entire collection of music contained on one album. Named after the late Dylan Taite, one of New Zealand’s most respected music journalists, nominations are now open for the 2017 awards. The winner will receive a cash prize of $10,000 to be spent as they wish, thanks to Taite Music Prize founding partner Recorded Music NZ; recording time at Red Bull Studios Auckland; and a year’s supply of Red Bull product.
New Zealand based arts-crowdfunding platform ‘Boosted’ has reached a significant milestone, raising over $3 million dollars for arts and creative projects in a sector typically dominated by competitive funding bodies.
This impressive $3 million contribution equates to over 22,857 donations across 568 projects in fine-arts, film, theatre, music, dance, writing, fashion, gaming and photography.
The platform, which reached its $2 Million goal some eight months ago, shows no sign of slowing down and has experienced 40% year-on-year growth since its inception in 2013.
Boosted caters to everyone and doesn’t judge the content of artistic content but General Manager Simone Hunter says the real secret to success is support and specialization.
'A Vinyl Affair - Wellington’s record fair’ is back again next month at San Fran on Cuba St.
With FREE ENTRY to the public, DJs Miss Selector, dGare, and DJ DangeR spinning great records all day, spot prizes, and 1000s of new and used vinyl to choose from, it's going to be another big day for vinyl-heads! There will also be specials on the tasty beer and food available at San Fran.
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Niko Ne Zna - Babushka's Borsch
Leatherhead - Needles
Lawrence Arabia - The Palest Of Them All
Kane Strang - Oh So You're Off I See
Fruit Juice Parade - Whaling
I Am Giant - Dead Flower
House of Shem - Anything You Ask For
The Miltones - Wildfire
Paul Gurney & The DeSotos - Close Your Eyes
Aldous Harding - Horizon
Theia - Champagne Supernova
Melting Faces - Waste The Day
Imagine This - No Other Way
Lydia Cole - The Lay Of The Land
Thomas Oliver - Shine Like The Sun
Nadia Reid - The Arrow And The Aim
Bryony Matthews - Alexander
Dizzy Height - Soul Searching
Tom Lee-Richards - What Could Otherwise I Had
The Bats - No Trace
ALAE - Things Change
Naught for Nothing - Naught for Nothing
Julie Lamb - Ordinary Days
Seas of Conflict - Vestige
The Nukes - The Nukes Three
Hiboux - Command The Earth To Swallow Me Up
Gareth Thomas - Weird Fever
Aly Cook - Western Line
Lorde - Green Light
Thomas Oliver - Shine Like The Sun
Grayson Gilmour - Hundred Waters
Levi Patel - Since Last Letters
Times x Two - Run
Pitch Black - The Future Knocking
Li'l Chuck The One Man Skiffle Machine
Kane Strang - Oh So You're Off I See
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(in no particular order)
Auckland City Limits
11 Mar @ Western Springs Stadium - Auckland
Lydia Cole
10 Mar @ The Vic Theatre, Auckland (Sold Out) - 11 Mar @ Meow Bar, Wellington
Merrin with EgoValve and Cinderella Rocketship
18 Mar @ Club Tavern, Christchurch
NZ Underground Metal Fest with Marduk and Gorguts
11 Mar @ Kings Arms, Auckland
Nadia Reid
30-31 Mar @ Port Chalmers Town Hall, Dunedin
Jackie Bristow
10 Mar @ Yot Club, Raglan - 11 Mar @ Inspiration Point, Karioi - 12 Mar @ Leigh Sawmill, Leigh
- 17 Mar @ Blue Smoke, Christchurch - 18 Mar @ The Manor Estate, Oamaru
- 23 Mar @ The Rocks Restaurant and Bar, Invercargill - 25 Mar @ The Sherwood, Queenstown
- 26 Mar @ Bannockburn Hall, Bannockburn
Superturtle with Soul Pepper, Galvestron and Model Train Wreck
18 Mar @ The Thirsty Dog, Auckland
Elemeno P
10 & 12 Mar @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 11 Mar @ Blue Smoke, Christchurch
French For Rabbits
10 Mar @ Dome Theatre, Gisborne - 11 Mar @ Common Room, Hastings - 15 Mar @ Playhouse Theatre, Nelson
- 16 Mar @ Blue Smoke, Christchurch - 17 Mar @ Pequino, Dunedin - 18 Mar @ Sherwood, Queenstown
- 19 Mar @ Waikuku Beach Hall, Waikuku Beach - 31 Mar @ Raumati Social Club, Raumati
Dictaphone Blues
10 Mar @ AUSA Orientation in Albert Park, Auckland (day show) - 10 Mar @ Leigh Sawmill, Leigh
- 11 Mar @ Cabana, Napier - 16 Mar @ Wine Cellar, Auckland
Anna Hawkins
17 Mar @ Café Royale, Palmerston North - 18 Mar @ Church Road Winery, Napier - 19 Mar @ Blue Baths, Rotorua
- 24 Mar @ Playhouse Theatre, University of Waikato, Hamilton - 25 Mar @ Holy Trinity, Tauranga
- 26 Mar @ Wallace Art Gallery, Morrinsville
Electro World Fusion - Ionosphere and Dubtext
24 Mar @ Dogs Bollix, Auckland
Sacha Vee
24 Mar @ Blue Smoke, Christchurch - 25 Mar @ Matterhorn, Wellington - 26 Mar @ PSC Live In The Lane, Auckland
I Am Giant
9 Mar @ Kings Arms, Auckland
Lawrence Arabia
24 Mar @ Leigh Sawmill, Leigh
A Vinyl Affair
11 Mar @ San Fran, Wellington
Cheshire Grimm
10 Mar @ REC, Auckland - 11 Mar @ Sundaise Festival, Bay of Plenty
Callum Gentleman
16 Mar @ Nivara Lounge, Hamilton - 18 Mar @ Wine Cellar, Auckland
Julie Lamb
11 Mar @ Mac's Function Centre, Wellington
The Nukes
8 Mar @ 4th Wall Theatre, New Plymouth - 9 Mar @ The Third Eye, Wellington - 10 Mar @ Picton Little Theatre, Picton
- 11 Mar @ Playhouse Theatre, Mapua - 12 Mar @ Mussel Inn, Takaka - 13 Mar @ Reefton Club, Reefton
- 14 Mar @ Barrytown Hall, Barrytown - 15 Mar @ Old Lodge Theatre, Hokitika
- 16 Mar @ Coronation Hall, Bannockburn - 17 Mar @ Cellar Door, Alexandra - 18 Mar @ Arts & Heritage Precinct, Gore - 20 Mar @ Community Centre, Stewart Island - 21 Mar @ Community Hall, Catlins - 22 Mar @ Opera House, Oamaru
- 23 Mar @ Town and Country Club, Timaru - 24 Mar @ Trust Event Centre, Ashburton - 25 Mar @ Public Hall, Balcairn
- 26 Mar @ Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch - 27 Mar @ The Laboratory, Lincoln
Fraser Ross and 04s
9 Mar @ Blue Smoke, Christchurch - 10 Mar @ Sherwood, Queenstown - 12 Mar @ Benessere Studio, Dunedin
Twenty One Pilots
24 Mar @ TSB Bank Arena, Wellington - 25 Mar @ Vector Arena, Auckland
Taking Back Sunday
15 Mar @ Powerstation, Auckland
Meshuggah
9 Mar @ Powerstation, Auckland
Justin Bieber with Martin Garrix and Sheppard
18 Mar @ Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
Don Henley and Jewel
21 Mar @ Horncastle Arena, Christchurch - 23 Mar @ Vector Arena, Auckland - 25 Mar @ TSB Bank Arena, Wellington
Adele
23 Mar @ Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
Pixies with Cut Off Your Hands
9 Mar @ Horncastle Arena, Christchurch - 10 Mar @ TSB Bank Arena, Wellington - 11 Mar @ Vector Arena, Auckland
Bonnie Raitt and Jackie Bristow
31 Mar @ St James Theatre, Wellington
Jimmy Barnes
28 Mar @ Pettigrew Green Arena, Napier - 29 Mar @ Powerstation, Auckland
Hungrytown
8 Mar @ Whitireia, Wellington - 9 Mar @ Library, Palmerston North - 10 Mar @ Folk Music Club, Palmerston North
- 11 Mar @ Folk Music Club, Titirangi - 18 Mar @ Folk Club, Katikati - 22 Mar @ Acoustic Music Club, Hamilton
- 25 Mar @ Te Ahu Atrium, Whangeateau
How Get
30 Mar @ Barrytown Hall, Barrytown - 31 Mar @ Darkroom, Christchurch
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The following new artist pages were created on muzic.net.nz during February:
Nut n Special | Stefan Wolf | bankRobbers |
HEX | Li'l Chuck the One Man Skiffle Machine | Blues Professor |
Rhomboid | Naught for Nothing | Jas Josland |
It is 100% FREE to add yourself or your band to muzic.net.nz, and you'll get free access to update your page, as well as access to add mp3 and photo galleries:
Add Artist Form
Info about filling out the add artist form
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Muzic.net.nz - What we do for Musicians and Bands
Important 2017 Music Industry Dates
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Stories In Sound is a web series based around showcasing musicians and their music as well as hearing about the stories behind, in, and around their art.
This episode features the young rockers Nick, Callum, and James from the band Altered Blondes!
Follow the band
Follow us for more Stories In Sound content
Credits:
Song mixed by Zorran Mendonsa
Produced by Franz Josef Collective
Check out our latest reviews at the below links:
Into
Orbit - Album Review: Unearthing
Written by Alex
EP
Review: Godzilla Takes New York
Written by Alex
Curlys
Jewels - Single Review: Bastard Fate
Written by Tony
Decades
- Single Review: I Was With Him
Written by Alex
Li'l
Chuck the One Man Skiffle Machine - Album Review: Utility Blues
Written by Corinne
Seafog
- EP Review: Dig It On Up
Written by Peter
Julie
Lamb - Album Review: Ordinary Days
Written by Corinne
Stefan
Wolf - EP Review: Creep No. 1
Written by Charlie
Skedaeddle
- Single Review: Final Friend
Written by Karl
Social
Shun - Album Review: Songs For Sea Lions
Written by Peter
Miss
Peach and The Travellin Bones - Album Review: Sand
Written by Lou
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All of our reviews can be read here.
All our interviews can be read here.
Email [email protected] if you would like us to review your music.
Our photographers have been super busy during the past couple of months and there's a huge range of new photos to feast your eyes on. Check out all our latest photo galleries at the below links:
Mark de Clive-Lowe (1)
Nomad
TrinityRoots
Dave
Dobbyn
Mark de Clive-Lowe (2)
Photos by Steve
Brooke Fraser
Bic
Runga
Benny Tipene
Marley NZ All
Stars
Photos by Amanda
Bring Me The
Horizon
Killswitch
Engage
Photos by Matt
Jimmy Barnes
Merrin
The Hollies
Laconic Zephyr
Photos by Reef
Brooke Fraser
Bic
Runga
Benny Tipene
Photos by Bradley
Ladyhawke
Photos by Dani
Bruce
Springsteen
Photos by Chris Z
All of our photo galleries can all be viewed here.
Some of our photographers also take professional promo photos.
Email [email protected] if you would like us to photograph you.
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All muzic.net.nz tour features can be viewed here
Email team@muzic.net.nz if you would like us to create a tour feature for you.
The next muzic.net.nz newsletter is going out on Sunday 2 April 2017!
If you are a NZ musician and you would like to promote your music,
we would love to feature you in our newsletter
and you can choose the date which suits you
We can also feature record labels, venues, music stores, music websites...
anything that has something to do with NZ music
Check out this forum and email [email protected] for more information about our newsletters
Muzic.net.nz newsletters are currently sent out to over 8510 members!
with this number growing every day, featuring in our newsletter is an excellent promotional tool
Access our newsletter archives here
- The muzic.net.nz team
Important 2017 Music Industry Dates
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