Agent is a "progressive aggressive alternative punk metal" trio from New Plymouth who formed in late 2001. We'd like to say thanks to Jim (guitar, vocals) for taking the time to complete our interview:
Who are your favourite New Zealand musicians/bands?
That is a difficult question as there are so many good acts out there I don't have just one and I enjoy a variety music so I'll just say 8 Foot Sativa, Shihad, Blindspott, Deja Voodoo, Chuganaut, Voodoo Butta, The Datsuns, Fur Patrol, Stardrunk, Tadpole....its so hard, they're all special in there own way!
Who would you most like to support live?
I have my preferences but basically we'll support anyone who is there to play for the music and to have a good time whilst doing it. We don't have any time for "rockstars", it so much more appealing when you play with bands that you can have fun with!
What is the strangest thing that has happened to you while playing on tour?
Lots and lots of stuff, most of which I probably can't tell you about, but lets just say nakedness, alcohol, paint, and eggs - you do the math!
Where do you see Agent in 5 years?
Still doing our thing but on a bigger scale. We're building up our crew all the time, when we started gigging about 18 months ago it was just us, now we have a driver, soundman, sponsors, road-manager, roadies, our group just keeps getting bigger. We're continually taking things to the next level - it is the only way. We have our goals and we're not gonna rest until we get there, we'll sleep when we're dead.
What advice would you give other budding musicians/bands?
For starters play the music that you want to play and hear yourself.
Secondly set your goals and work out the steps you have to take to get there, there are always multiple paths to the same result.
Stay focused but don't take things too seriously, you have to be able to laugh at yourself and rememeber to have fun, this is why you started playing music in the first place.
The Bleeders bring together a innovative sound, drawing influence from Punk, Hardcore & Rock. Their single 'So Lonely' is getting good plays on C4 at the moment so keep an eye out for it! Thanks Angelo (vocals) for completing our interview:
Who are your favourite New Zealand musicians/bands?
There are so may to name, I would have to say that Deja Voodoo are up there but we love the City Newton Bombers!
Who would you most like to support live?
Me personally I'd like to support this band called Tiger Army... but the ultimate would be supporting Motley Crue on a reunion tour with the full band.
What is the strangest thing that has happened to you while playing on tour?
There are lots of stories and too many to think of one. But if its when we are playing then one nightmare would be in Wellington when Gareth our bass player swung his bass straight into my eye and had me in stars.
Where do you see The Bleeders in 5 years?
We just take each day as it comes really. I would like to think we would have at least three full length albums out and hopefully at least two of them released internationally, if we could maybe be touring the world 10 months a year paying the bills off playing in this band that would be ideal.
What advice would you give other budding musicians/bands?
Just never give up, I know everyone says that but its true. Too many talented bands that come through this country break up before they have accomplished their true potential.
NZ Music Awards
These were held on the 22nd of September. muzic.net.nz would like to extend their congratulations to all winners. We've got full details up on our special NZ Music Awards Feature, including our special report from Carl who we sent off to the awards!
New Artists
Some of the new artists we have added to the site this week include:
New Releases
The following came out during the past few weeks, or will be coming out soon:
Audiosauce - 'Contimental Drift' (album)
Various - 'Major Flavours Five' (compilation)
Epitome - 'Wait Your Turn' (single)
Pounamu - 'Te Timatanga' (album)
Betchadupa - 'Aiming For Your Head' (album)
Pitch Black - 'Ape To Angel' (album)
Tommy - '4000 Years' (album)
Tours Annouced
Neil & Tim Finn - check out the muzic.net.nz Gig Guide for full details!
The Brunettes - check out the muzic.net.nz Gig Guide for full details!
Usually we include an informative and interesting editorial at the beginning of our newsletter. Well sadly this week it's not to be as we have temporarily lost a valued member of the team.
All is not lost, however, as Lisa has been hard at work finding another suitable person to fill in this extremely important position. We've got a few suitable people to choose from so hopefully all will be back to normal again in the next issue!
Remember if you would like to contribute, please feel free to get in touch with us. We're always on the lookout for people to reviews gigs and albums, so if you think you would like to help us out, please get in touch with us on [email protected].