Formed in early 2015, Running Stitch is a three piece alternative rock band from Auckland. The band's debut EP, It's On was released last year, reflecting their early sound of alternate rock with folk and lots of harmonies. Jeremy Wooller answered the following questions for muzic.net.nz:
How would you describe Running Stitch's music in one sentence?
We’re a three piece alternative rock band that blends rhythmic guitars, with melodic vocals, and expressive lyrics that are distinctive, and honest.
Who are your role models in the NZ music industry?
There are honestly too many to single out just few. We all have slightly different tastes in music and bands, which is great, it helps bring something to the overall musical sound of the band. But we definitely all are very proud to be part of the NZ music scene.
What is Running Stitch's long term goal?
We’re pretty focused at the moment on building our fan base by gigging as much as we can and fine tuning our sound. We are still a relatively new band in a way so we are still evolving in the how we play and write together, which is exciting. Longer term our goal would definitely be to get to a stage where we are able to spend more time playing in the band than we do at our day jobs!
What sets you apart from other bands?
Our music has a unique but familiar sound that’s both complicated and simple in many ways, so I think we appeal to a wide range of musical tastes.
Do you have any plans for future collaborations with other musicians?
Who would they be? No, although we’d definitely be interested in collaborating with other bands or musicians. Give us a call haha!
What is the one thing you want NZ to know about Running Stitch?
F*ck we are fun.
Running Stitch is the moniker of Helensville based singer/songwriter Aletta Ashdown. Although Running Stitch’s debut EP, It’s On, was only a few months in the making, it’s the culmination of over a decade of writing and performing.
Over the years Aletta has had her fingers in a number of musical pies. In 2012 Aletta performed back-up vocal duties for pop-folk band Cold Harvest Trust lead by Canadian songwriter Andrew Cowie whose New Bones EP was recorded and mixed at Earwig Studios by Flying Nun alumni and one-time 95bFM presenter Darren McShane. It was the Earwig connection that lead to Aletta’s recent involvement in Auckland post punk new wave outfit Superturtle.
As a solo act Aletta regularly attends open mic nights around Auckland including The Portland Public House and The Claire Inn. In the past Aletta has played support slots for Tahuna Breaks and the Phil Edwards band and featured in several live to air performances on Kiwi FM, 95bFM and the now defunct Alt-TV. In 2012 Aletta was a showcased performer at the Bunker Hill Folk Review followed by a stint in the ensemble cast for the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Tell Me On A Sunday featuring Carly Binding. Earlier this year Aletta performed with a bunch of other local Rodney musicians at the Muriwai Beach Waitangi Day Festival on the same bill as Tiki Taane, Warren Maxwell and Soljah.