Sound the Ocean – Seven music teachers by day, seven musicians by night (or whenever it’s show time). Seven’s a big number for a band and that’s because these guys (and one gal) think big. Hail from a small country? They’ll take the world thanks! Like to keep things low key? They’ll make a big song and dance about it! And big songs they do make. Their upcoming single Ghost Town is big enough to scare any ghost from any town – not that it’s frightening – rather it’s bound to appeal to those who like to sing along (and it’s common knowledge that ghosts do not).

Initially performing as the Nick Kraenzlin Band in 2010, a complete rebrand led to the name change. The group’s debut album Wait for the Morning (slated for 2013) was penned by Nick as a suite of thematically-linked songs as part of his portfolio for his Master of Arts degree. After recording demos at The Porch (nestled in rural Waikato), the band set off for Neil Finn’s Roundhead Studios to track the album. And the band does not disappoint with their live shows as they deliver stadium-ready, anthemic pop/rock songs equally as wide as the horizon and deep as the ocean live as they do through your best pair of headphones. The band answered the following questions for muzic.net.nz:

What inspired you to start Sound the Ocean?

Nick had a bunch of songs that lent themselves to an expansive sound. Hence a seven-piece band of like-minded musicians united for the common cause of creating music and fighting crime.

How did you come up with the name Sound the Ocean?

Well we needed a name that reflected the aforementioned expansive sound. Jon was reading a Shakespeare play (as bass players tend to do) and he came across the line “Go sound the ocean, and cast your nets.” Bingo! New band name!

How would you describe Sound the Ocean’s music in one sentence?

Nick calls it “stadium pop”. Bingo! New genre!

What sets you apart from other bands?

I think we still hold the record for the least amount of tattoos in a Kiwi band. Perhaps more recent survey might suggest otherwise...

What is Sound the Ocean’s long term goal?

To appear on The Late Show with Jimmy Fallon... or Paul Henry’s Breakfast show. Either is fine.

Where do you get your inspiration to create music from?

Literature, day-to-day life, Wes Anderson movies, World Cup Cricket/Rugby, other well-crafted music.

What has been your most memorable show to date?

Oh! So many! One that comes to mind is a show at the Kings Arms with Tom Lark, Artisan Guns and Tiger Town. Great to see a packed venue with people singing along but getting the words wrong ‘cause they don’t know the songs too well.

What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?

Amanda would say Brooke Fraser, Jon would say Kora, Brett would say The Mint Chicks (reformed), Jason would say Kimbra, Nick would say Hans Kraenzlin, Brendon would say Late 80s Mercedes and Jesse would say The Naked and Famous. Why? Why not? They’re all awesome!

What local albums have you been enjoying recently?

Sing Along with The Yoots (The Yoots), PanAm (PanAm), The Golden Echo (Kimbra).

Tell us about Sound the Ocean’s next release.

We can’t wait to release our debut album. It’s called Wait For the Morning and it’s going to grab New Zealanders ears and hearts. I wouldn’t be surprised if it changed the industry as we know it... just quietly.

What rumour would you like to start about Sound the Ocean?

The Prime Minister is lobbying for our song Don’t Let Go to become the new National Anthem. We declined as we’re not sell-outs. Plus it’s already being used in a Chevrolet ad.

What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?

Never take advice from musicians.

What can you never leave home without?

House keys.

Sound The Ocean is (L-R) Jon Clarke, Brett Wilson, Jason Henderson, Amanda Kraenzlin, Nick Kraenzlin, Brendon Rickard and Jesse Te Weehi.

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