DateMonthYear are a flexible recording and performing unit based in Hamilton.
DateMonthYear is not a band. DateMonthYear is a way of doing things-the composition, production, performance and marketing of music in the contemporary environment. Thanks to Trevor for answering the following questions:
Do you have any plans for future collaborations with other musicians? Who would they be?
We have a large backlog of cover versions and collaborations. The first to be released is a song we did with Jason Lurman from hamilton guitar band Sora Shima. The result is River, a 7 minute instrumental that you can check out at http://datemonthyear.bandcamp.com/
It's an interesting blend of both of our styles. Collaborations are a lot of fun, and very refreshing musically.
What is the one thing you want NZ to know about DateMonthYear?
That we are making music our own way, in a way that satisfies our own musical agenda, and that is totally independent.
How would you describe DateMonthYear’s music in one sentence?
Pop melodies, rock dynamics and movie atmospheres! Boom!
What is DateMonthYear’s long term goal?
To keep moving forward. Our musical heroes all have developed and taken risks and evolved musically. We have released four CDs to date, and our next four will all be stages in a journey. The line up retains a flexibility that means new influences are always welcome.
What sets you apart from other bands?
Well, the fact that DateMonthYear is not really a "band", as much as it is a way of making music. Its a way that involves change, growth and development as necessary. In the 21st century the term "band" has become quite a limiting one...and rock music is supposed to be the genre that breaks rules, not reinforces them.
Where do you get your inspiration to create music from?
Everyhwere. Hemingway believed that to be a develop a writing style you had to read at least five great authors every year. DMY is about constantly looking for new sources of magic and inspiration.
What can we expect to see from DateMonthYear over the next year?
We are currently recording a new album, and a clean up of the archives means a lot of collaborations and covers and oddities are also going to be released. Gigging will also resume, but probably not until the second half of this year.
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
You are only as good as your last gig/release.
Tell us about DateMonthYear’s next release.
It's tentatively called Singles but that may change. Its a 10 song album. the material is all road tested and is going through the rigmarole of being recorded and revised at this very moment, It's very much a song based album-no instrumentals or prog-experimentation. that'll be next time!
How did you come up with the name DateMonthYear?
It's from a London hospital admissions form. You know, date of birth, Date; Month: Year: etc.
DateMonthYear began as a way of making music back 2003.The journey since then has involved five self-funded albums, five self-funded music videos and many, many gigs.
DateMonthYear are proud advocates of musical independence, ignoring established rules and norms of the music industry in New Zealand.
The end result has meant airplay on hundreds of radio stations around the world, music licensed to TV, Ads and Movies-again, worldwide-, gigs with Symphony Orchestras, live theatre and so much more.