109 days and counting until Christmas. Or in other words 109 days to get your Christmas wish list in order! I know there is so much out there that you want, but for most of you, you have realised a list that measures to two metres, does leave some disappointment. So if you are stuck deciding on what things you really want, or you need ideas on gifts for others, here are some great suggestions that should be on the top of your list, and are sure to get you a little sugar under the mistletoe!
Stardrunk. No unfortunately not the actual band members wrapped in colourful decoration waiting under your tree on Christmas morning! Maybe next year? But even better, their debut album came out on August 26. 'Complete Control' is the eagerly awaited album that includes the singles 'Fallen', 'Simple Days' and the new single 'Stand Tall'. Since their formation in 2000, Stardrunk have gone from strength to strength, from winning New Zealand National Battle of the Bands in 2002, to performing with Elemeno P, Fur Patrol, Pacifier and Grinspoon and a promotional tour across the ditch last year. The album is only a snapshot of Stardrunk, as not only do they create intense melodies, but their live scene is full of power. To get a taste of the album now, call 0800 STARDRUNK. And all for free!
One of New Zealands greatest songwriting units, The Finn Brothers are back with a new album, 'Everyone Is Here'. They worked with producer Mitchell Froom, whom they have worked with before. Many say that this their best work yet, but with the excellence in their previous productions, it must be to a very high standard. The album was out from August 23 and includes the song 'Won't Give In'. It would put that twinkle in anyones eye!
'Count Backwards From 10'. Literally, you will be counting down from 10 on New years Eve 2004 listening to this album. It is the latest from musical geiniuses Strawpeople, and contains 'No One Like You' the song with the beautiful vocals of Pearl Runga. Magnificent beats, with flowing vocals, this album is already a must have in your collection, so it would be a perfect way to begin your Christmas day.
The fast and the furious ways of the shopping malls is getting closer, so although this may all seem a bit early, it is just a "safe" solution from the chaos in the coming months. These are just a few possibilties to giving a memorable gift at Christmas. And if you can't wait untill December to recieve these, just go buy it! They are worth it, and so are you!
- Janise
Thanks to Ara (bass) for completing these questions for us!
1) Who are your favourite New Zealand musicians/bands?
There are so many from all different musical backgrounds. Everything from Nathan Haines to Fat Freddy’s Drop to Eight to Scribe and everyone else in between.
2) Who would you most like to support live?
Because we are a reggae band we would love to play with Fat Freddy’s Drop, Trinity Roots, Kora and Cornerstone Roots.
3) What is the strangest thing that has happened to you while playing on tour?
For me it was falling thru the roof after a four hour gig in Hastings! I was knocked out for a little while with a few cuts and bruises but sweet as to play the next night.
4) Where do you see Katchafire in 5 years?
Fingers crossed we hope to have at least 3 more albums out with more international tours and representing roots reggae Aotearoa styles to the world.
5) What advice would you give other budding musicians/bands?
Perserverence is the key! One thing in common that all us NZ artists share is that we kept true to our goals and overcome hurdles that were thrown in our way. I guarantee you all of us have had hardships along the way so hang in there and work hard!!
1) Who are your favourite New Zealand musicians/bands?
There are so many... Gramsci, Gasoline Cowboy, SJD, Anika Moa, Age Pryor, Paul Ubana Jones, Pitch Black, Module, Minuit...to name a few...I could go on.
2) Who would you most like to support live?
Jean Michel Jarre!
3) What is the strangest thing that has happened to you while playing on tour?
Hmmmm, being very intoxicated, picking up my guitar to play and ripping all the cables out of my gear in the process...everything went dead...no sound...no power...dead air...I gave up and walked off stage. That was my only Invercargill gig experience.
4) Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Being the first electronic musician to go into space.
5) What advice would you give other budding musicians/bands?
Keep at it! Love it! Get your music out there to as many people as you can...music is all about communication, not self admiration!
Gigs Coming Up
There are a number of great tours coming up, including:
Brooke Fraser | KD Lang |
Katchafire | Salmonella Dub |
Elemeno P | Adeaze |
Neil & Tim Finn | Alicia Keys |
The Kingsland Electro | Pitch Black |
For more gigs, check out the muzic.net.nz Gig Guide.
New Artists
We're always adding new artists to muzic.net.nz, and here are a few that we have added in the past two weeks (in no particular order):
Straightline
Carnage
Charlie Ash
Lady Luck
Libra Accord
Twice Daily
Celadore
Watersign
Utu
If you are in a band and you're not listed on the site, please complete our Add Artist form. It's opening to anyone and it's free.
Reviews
Roadhog
Foamy Ed
Stardrunk
Deja Voodoo
Competition Winners
Flow On Show - L. Collins, Chch, K. Soar, New Plymouth
Greg Johnson - J. Bowen, Hamilton
Fang - B. Castles, Auckland, L. Collins, Chch
Current Competitions:
Tempo 38 - 'Con'
The Finn Brothers - 'Everyone Is Here'
Fourth Member - Dirty Dogg / Global prize pack
Sommerset - 'Say What You Want'
Subtract - 'Formula One'
Monsterr - Second Compilation
muzic.net.nz Members (ie. you!) can enter any of these competitions on the Competition Page.