6 Nov 2024
Diesel Phoenix - DonkeyPunk Newsletter Interview
21 Jan 2007 // An interview by Shade
These questions were answered by Logan (manager and drums).
What is your greatest achievement?
I think our greatest achievement was forming a band where all the members want the same thing and pursue the same goals. Its really important that all members know what we need from each other. Musically our biggest achievement has been the recording of our very first single 'You're Yuck' and the corresponding video. These were self funded entirely by the band. The video was made by the band, director Andrew Burfield and a group of friends for $300. Both the song and video can be checked out on our Donkeypunk.com and our myspace page.
What do you think could be done to make NZ music even better?
I personally think the New Zealand music scene is really really strong. There are so many great bands out there it's awesome! I don't think much needs to be done to make the music better, I think commercial support is the area that needs some thought. Kiwi FM and bFM are the only mainstream stations in NZ that support almost any song recorded professionally by New Zealand artists. I also think the record companies could think outside the box a little when it comes to supporting bands in New Zealand. So many bands here would do very well representing NZ overseas. Unfortunately there is not alot of support for bands to do so.
Where do you see yourselves in 5 years?
In 5 years time DonkeyPunk will be performing at the biggest and most exciting music festivals around the world, and pursuing a world tour continent by continent. We will be writing material for our 3rd album, and we will be making music for a living instead of working two jobs to support our passion! We will also be helping and supporting young up and coming NZ bands break into a commercial market. Just as bands have done for us.
What is the best thing about making music?
The best thing about making music is without a doubt playing live shows and having the audience sing our songs back to us, and see the excitement on our younger audiences faces. That feeling is one that cant be matched by anything else. Seeing a song take shape then hearing it played back when it has that special magic, or certain something about it, is also a really awesome feeling.
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Don't be afraid to dream, and don't shy away from hard work. Making music for a living is something only a small amount of bands get to experience, we are yet to have that feeling, however we realise we have to earn that chance. Just follow your dreams, practice really hard, and remember that you are privileged to have an audience to play to, not the other way round, so give them their moneys worth!
In 2007!!
In January we are touring the North Island! We are going to be recording our second single and filming our second music video in early February. Again this is All self funded. After that we plan to play a few shows in the South Island. Mid year we are recording our debut album! We are also in the planning stages of a tour of Japan late 2007. We Also hope to play in Australia before 2008.
DonkeyPunk is Sam Polwart (vocals), Richard Hurliman (guitar), Logan Wedgwood (drums), Al 'Fingers' Grainger (bass), Peter Rowlands (guitar).
These questions were answered by Logan (manager and drums).What is your greatest achievement?
I think our greatest achievement was forming a band where all the members want the same thing and pursue the same goals. Its really important that all members know what we need from each other. Musically our biggest achievement has been the recording of our very first single 'You're Yuck' and the corresponding video. These were self funded entirely by the band. The video was made by the band, director Andrew Burfield and a group of friends for $300. Both the song and video can be checked out on our Donkeypunk.com and our myspace page.
What do you think could be done to make NZ music even better?
I personally think the New Zealand music scene is really really strong. There are so many great bands out there it's awesome! I don't think much needs to be done to make the music better, I think commercial support is the area that needs some thought. Kiwi FM and bFM are the only mainstream stations in NZ that support almost any song recorded professionally by New Zealand artists. I also think the record companies could think outside the box a little when it comes to supporting bands in New Zealand. So many bands here would do very well representing NZ overseas. Unfortunately there is not alot of support for bands to do so.
Where do you see yourselves in 5 years?
In 5 years time DonkeyPunk will be performing at the biggest and most exciting music festivals around the world, and pursuing a world tour continent by continent. We will be writing material for our 3rd album, and we will be making music for a living instead of working two jobs to support our passion! We will also be helping and supporting young up and coming NZ bands break into a commercial market. Just as bands have done for us.
What is the best thing about making music?
The best thing about making music is without a doubt playing live shows and having the audience sing our songs back to us, and see the excitement on our younger audiences faces. That feeling is one that cant be matched by anything else. Seeing a song take shape then hearing it played back when it has that special magic, or certain something about it, is also a really awesome feeling.
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Don't be afraid to dream, and don't shy away from hard work. Making music for a living is something only a small amount of bands get to experience, we are yet to have that feeling, however we realise we have to earn that chance. Just follow your dreams, practice really hard, and remember that you are privileged to have an audience to play to, not the other way round, so give them their moneys worth!
In 2007!!
In January we are touring the North Island! We are going to be recording our second single and filming our second music video in early February. Again this is All self funded. After that we plan to play a few shows in the South Island. Mid year we are recording our debut album! We are also in the planning stages of a tour of Japan late 2007. We Also hope to play in Australia before 2008.
DonkeyPunk is Sam Polwart (vocals), Richard Hurliman (guitar), Logan Wedgwood (drums), Al 'Fingers' Grainger (bass), Peter Rowlands (guitar).
About Diesel Phoenix
'When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.’
— Jimi Hendrix
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Diesel Phoenix
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