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.
Formerly known as Ashei, there are a myriad of ways to describe NZ rock outfit, Decades, 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, Decades have shown they are an independent Kiwi rock band to really watch with their shared passion for intense live performance and honest song writing.
Members Emma Cameron (vox/guitar), Liam Muir (guitar), Daniel Perry (drums) and Curtis Booth (bass) have spent the last several years focussing on honing in on their unique sound, independently releasing a scattering of singles and music videos to varying levels of local success, playing as many local shows as they could muster around their full-time day jobs, and supporting larger national and international acts such as Midnight Youth (NZ), Villainy (NZ), The Ataris (US), and Scary Kids Scaring Kids (US).
In 2013, Decades knew they were at a point of ‘go big or go home’, and so they began to envision what the next couple of years should look like, and how they were going to reach these milestones. Early 2013 saw Decades lock in with producer Matt Bartlem of Loose Stones Studios in QLD to create their debut record. Faced with the many obstacles of an independent band, the band launched - and achieved - a $10,000USD indiegogo crowd funding campaign in mid-2013, to head over to the studio in Australia to complete a 5-track EP.