Thanks to Ash for answering these questions:
What can we expect to see from Kidz In Space over the next year?
We are aiming for a "Bigger" live show, We want to do more festivals also, so expect us to get out and about this year.
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
I think the best advice I could offer would be, Just do your thing, Don't chase trends and also have a solid plan in terms of Goals and how you want to go about achieving them.
Who are your favourite NZ musicians/bands, and why?
I would say Kora would be one of my favourites, I appreciate them as people first and foremost, down to earth and real, their talent speaks for itself, so we don't need to mention that, but the fact they worked themselves into the position they are in is something to really admire. I have a lot of respect for this band.
What will Kidz In Space next release be?
Our Next release, is the Album 'Ghost' which we are really excited about, then we are hoping to get to work on a new record, with live band set up.
How do you come up with your lyrics?
A lot of the songs are just the way I feel, I like to speak on things that a lot of people, men especially don't really like saying out loud, we think it but never let the guard down and say it.
Who would you most like to support live?
Me personally, I would like to tour with say, N.E.R.D or anybody really, I just love performing
How do you believe Kidz In Space fit into the NZ music industry?
I think we fit in, by being just the regular dudes we are, we have been on bills with a lot of different personalities from our industry, but have always just been us, and as far as I know, people have been cool with us.
What can you never leave home without?
My cellphone, I swear I'm addicted to it. Arggghh!
How do you describe Kidz In Space music?
This is def the toughest question to answer, Every member of the group would have a different view, But I would say Pop/hiphop with a bit of dance.
What is your favourite NZ venue?
My favourite venues I have played would be, The Coroglen Tavern and also The Bedford in Christchurch. My fav gigs were Homegrown this year and Dunedin O-week lastyear.
What is the best part of being a musician?
Just the freedom in creation and being able to share what you create, weather live or recored.
What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?
Us. LOL. No, I would say I'd like to see a lot more Hip Hop acts on bigger bills, just because I miss seeing a good rap show, also would like to see more Computers Want Me Dead and The Checks, Just a fan and really enjoy these acts.
What is in your CD collection at home?
Anything from, AC/DC to WuTang, AL Green to Maisey Rika's 'Tohu' CD to Jay-Z and even a little Arctic Monkeys, I like different stuff.
What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?
Realising my zip was down on my Jeans, the thing is I realised on the 2nd to last song, and yes my boxer buttons were undone!!
What is your favourite place in NZ to be?
I always love going to New Plymouth to see my family, but lately I have been liking Mangawhai, or Magical Mangawhai as they say.
What inspired you to start Kidz In Space?
I wanted to make something fresh, I was bored with my sound i had been making, so I guess alot of it came out of boredom, also the fact I wanted to test myself over different production.
What is the best gig you have ever performed at, and why?
Like I said earlier I would have to say Dunedin, because of the rowdy students, also the fact we messed up during our set a few times, the crowd let us know for sure but was such a great vibe.
How do you keep in contact with your fans?
We are always down for a good yarn.
What rumour would you like to start about Kidz In Space
Hmmm?? That Jay-Z, Pharell, Mick Jager and Bono are on our album, but you have to buy it to find out. LOL. Do it, they are.....!!!
When they first emerged, stiff and synthetic, in early 2008, everything Kidz In Space did was shrouded in absurdist mystery. They claimed, semi-convincingly, to be from another planet. Videos featured images of the cosmos unfurling, with the implication they were home movies, and they accompanied songs which effortlessly melded the best of chart pop and Hip-Hop in a manner so effortless as to sound somewhat alien. Their television debut saw them in what at first glance looked like spacesuits.
On closer inspection, though, those spacesuits were endearingly home made, the rough edges visible, the hand of fallible humanity all too apparent. So let's state what sharp-eyed of observers have suspected for three years now: Kidz In Space are not, in fact, from space.
They're from central Auckland, consume an unhealthy number of energy drinks, have major issues with rodents and a strange relationship with the city of Invercargill.