Newtown Rocksteady - Newtown Rocksteady Newsletter Interview
Newtown Rocksteady is a dance band that simply makes you move. Cool covers, righteous melodies, and hot original songs, rocksteady is more than a band, its a moment in life. Their second EP Goin' Steady was released in April with the title paying homage to the growth of the group, over the last three or four years, into a solid unit and one which looks set to keep rocking steady. James answered the following questions for muzic.net.nz:
What is your favourite place to relax in NZ?
My favourite place to relax in New Zealand is probably Golden Bay. It holds a special place in the band's heart as the scene of Newtown Rocksteady's first tour and the locals always receive us so warmly there.
What New Zealand musicians/bands would you like to see more of and why?
I would like to see more of The Nudge, Brockaflowersaurusrex and Electric Wire Hustle because they always make me dance my ass off and are good mates. And I would like to see more of Jonathan Crayford because he never fails to inspire me as an instrumentalist.
What has been your most memorable show to date?
My most memorable show wasn't the biggest or best-paid but an epic house party in an epic house called The Moorings in Wellington. You know that close, sweaty, fully supportive feeling when a room full of people are about to crush you with the weight of their loved-up vibe. That was it. Also, WOMAD stands out as a great milestone for the band.
What sets Newtown Rocksteady apart from other bands?
Well, Rocksteady is a great party band and the sound of vintage reggae music, however we are also very aware that we are from Newtown, and home and away we represent our place. It's a sense of being the host, or being hosted. When you have a strong sense of identity, "the band" becomes a conduit for building healthy relationships. It's very normal for musicians to represent their lands and traditions, however in an urban environment in our generation in New Zealand, I think the fact that we manage this makes Newtown Rocksteady unique.
Where do you get inspiration to create your music from?
I get inspiration to create music from a desire to create artifacts that are like islands in a river of time, moving and flowing and changing with each performance but retaining their quality as a snapshot of a particular moment or sentiment-little time capsules if you like. All the better if they make the people get up and groove too.
What can we expect to see from Newtown Rocksteady over the next year?
Expect great shows! And some concerted team effort on the compositional front. There is also a desire, and with the release of this EP, a good reason to venture out and play to New Zealand in zones we haven't hit yet, like the lower South Island or the Hawkes Bay, and Auckland.
What rumour would you like to start about Newtown Rocksteady?
I would like to start the rumour that Newtown Rocksteady has never burned a drop of oil in its career as a working and touring band. I wish it were true-imagine the high seas and hitch-hiking adventures to be had.
What local albums have you been enjoying recently?
Oooo, Orchestra of Spheres' Nonagonic Now is amazing.. The Phoenix Foundation's Fandango is inspiring.. but there have been a lot of good albums recorded at a new studio called Blue Barn in Newtown, so a family of albums is coming that is going to be quite electric in the scene, like EWH, Data Hui, Family Cactus, Joe Blossom, Ria Hall, Brokaflowersaurus Rex & The Blueberry Biscuits. All great projects
About Newtown Rocksteady
Newtown Rocksteady's ever-expanding repertoire effortlessly moves between original compositions and adaptations of classic Rocksteady and Reggae gems guaranteed to get the people dancing! Comprised of active members of Wellington’s vibrant music scene, Newtown Rocksteady has a great depth of experience to call upon. Its members are involved in groups including The Nudge, Brockaflowersaurus-rex and Fly My Pretties.
The band has its roots firmly embedded in the traditions of Jamaican rocksteady, ska and reggae music and is further nourished by its connection with its community. Hailing from the Wellington suburb of Newtown, ‘Rocksteady’ as it is known to many of its fans, began its existence playing at community events and stonking house parties; as such the band is well-versed in the art of getting bodies on the dance floor.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Newtown Rocksteady
Releases
Other Interviews By Shade
MNZ Interview: Muzic Speak S01 / E01 - Powder Chutes
06 Nov 2024 // by Shade
Brought to you by Muzic.NZ's Lisa Jones, Muzic Speak is a fresh new interview series which pays homage some of the best up and coming acts this country has on offer.
Read More...
Interview with Angus Woodhams, lead of Weka
16 Sep 2024 // by Shade
Weka is a three-piece electronica band combining unique timbres with pulsing bass and punching drums. Formed of Angus Woodhams on keys and controllers, Mitch Harty on guitar, and Cathal Lennon on drums, Weka’s instrumental electronic sound is diverse, beautiful, and thought provoking, urging audiences to dance uninhibitedly.
Read More...
Pull Down The Sun Newsletter Interview
01 Dec 2022 // by Shade
Boasting an international standard of modern metal, New Zealand's Pull Down The Sun have set many an audience alight with their glorious imagery that holds true to sheer riff obedience, making motions from heavy and erratic to dark and moody, through to light and uplifting with minimal effort. We spoke to frontman Koert, and he had this to say:How did you become involved in music?
Read More...
Coridian Newsletter Interview
27 Nov 2022 // by Shade
Coridian are one of New Zealand's leading rock acts, and they have an exciting 2023 in the works. In recent months the release of singles Rakshasa (with Michael Murphy from Written by Wolves) and State of Mind have further cemented their status in NZ music.
Read More...
1 Drop Nation Newsletter Interview
19 Nov 2022 // by Shade
Otautahi six-piece 1 Drop Nation will be dropping their exciting self-titled debut album on 1 December, and it’s guaranteed to set Aotearoa music fans up for a great summer! They answered the following questions for Muzic.
Read More...
Interview: 2Fly Ty
17 Oct 2022 // by Shade
Despite currently residing in Brisbane, 2Fly Ty still identifies as a Kiwi at heart, as he looks to make a name for himself in the music scene of his homeland, Aotearoa. He answered the following questions for Muzic.
Read More...
Dead Beat Boys Newsletter Interview
29 Sep 2022 // by Shade
Auckland Rockers Dead Beat Boys fuse punk intensity with classic-rock riffs, all strung together in a show uncontainable by the stage. On the 1st of October they released their first and last album, be sure to check it out here.
Read More...
Frau Knotz Newsletter Interview
28 Sep 2022 // by Shade
The original songs of singer, pianist, producer and composer Lauren Nottingham have touched down on Earth under the moniker Frau Knotz. With avant-pop tracks which simulate echoes of an extra-terrestrial yet power-packed video game soundtrack, Frau Knotz toggles between whimsical fantasies and dark truths, switches propulsive rhythms and expansive balladry and tunes glamor with gameplay to concoct elixirs of dance.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- APT.
ROSÉ And Bruno Mars - DIE WITH A SMILE
Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars - BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Billie Eilish - TASTE
Sabrina Carpenter - I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
Gracie Abrams - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - SAILOR SONG
Gigi Perez - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
Shaboozey - GOOD LUCK, BABE!
Chappell Roan
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
