Thanks to Jeremy for answering these questions:

What is the best gig you have ever performed at, and why?

I haven’t played it yet, still waiting for my invitation to play at half time for the Warriors.

What is your favourite NZ venue?

The Wine Cellar in Auckland is great, small room, bands sound really great in there.

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

David Kilgour, great songs, love the new album with Sam Hunt, he has an undeniably brilliant back catalogue.

What is your favourite type of guitar and why?

Fender Jazzmaster. It is the slacker rock weapon of choice, they sound so great, perfect blend of lo-fi and hi-fi.

How did you come up with the name Opensouls?

When we were thinking of a name I had a mixtape from the rapper Cyphanetik. In one of his raps he said “going toe to toe with an open soul.” I really liked that line.

How do you describe your music?

Soul music influenced by 50’s and 60’s music but with a modern approach. Thats what is sounds like today, tomorrow it could be completely different.

What can we expect to see from the Opensouls over the next year?

You will hear us more on the radio, we will be touring more frequently and refining our live stage show.

What has been the best moment in making the new record 'Standing In The Rain'?

I have two, 1. recording the vocal parts with Tyra was awesome, a great learning experience for me as a producer and engineer. 2. Mixing the album in Los Angeles with Dave Cooley. He brought his on ideas to the record and was great to see him work the songs.

The Opensouls are Bjorn Peterson (vocals), Tyra Hammond (vocals), Jeremy Toy (guitar), Julien Dyne (drums), Chip Matthews (bass), Isaac Aesili (trumpet) and Harlin Davey (MPC).

Website Links

Muzic.net.nz Page
Official Website
MySpace Page
Amplifier Page

The second album from the Opensouls 'Standing In The Rain' is out now.

"My ultimate dream is to become the first New Zealander to have a number one U.S. single. My debut album 'Thanks For Faking It Sometimes' is due out on 17 August 2009. It explores the themes of faking it as a rockstar, unfulfilled dreams, and a search for purpose and identity. The self-described genre is Plastic Rock. My fast songs are fun-filled and quirky (Weezer, Elemeno P, All American Rejects), and my slower ones are more melancholic (Nirvana). My melodies and guitar riffs are very catchy. I fully self-funded the album through renovating and selling three houses, even though I admit to being DIY challenged". 

What is the best gig you have ever performed at, and why?

Parachute Festival... Oh yeah, and Wembley Stadium. But U2 opened for me and they were rubbish... didn't warm the crowd up!

How do you describe your music?

Plastic Rock. It is quite catchy.

What can we expect to see from yourself over the next year?

Album coming out on 17 August. Music videos on TV. I have 4 music videos ready to go.

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

If you believe in your music, persevere!  You will get 99 set-backs for every 1 advancement. And remember to have fun!!!!

Website Links

Muzic.net.nz Page
Official Website
MySpace Page
Bebo Page
Facebook Page
YouTube Page

Jamie Stranges' debut album 'Thanks For Faking It Sometimes' comes out 17 August, and you can read the muzic.net.nz review here.

What is the best gig you have ever performed at, and why?

Mighty Mighty on our summer tour. The place is beautiful, staff are THE best, the sound is great, we played a blinder (if we do say so), and the crowd were hot and sweaty and good movers!  http://alanpix.blogspot.com/2009_03_01_archive.html

What is your favourite NZ venue?

Still miss The Odeon in AK. But would say Leigh Sawmill is soooo good. You can’t not have a great time/gig/night there. The room is so open and beautiful sounding, the setting is a nice change from city venues, great beers and pizzas!

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

Great live bands/not hypey bands eg: Onanon, Artisan Guns, The Bads, Hott Paws…

What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?

Finding out the gig we’re booked at a bar is out the back, (in another room separate to the bar?), and a covers band are playing in the front.

Not so much embarrassing actually as infuriatingly maddening!

How did you come up with the name The Septembers?

Big Star – September Gurls / We are all Virgo’s / It’s when Sean and Anthony met / The syllables sound good together…

How do you describe your music?

Romantic RocknRoll / Spector with Tele’s.

What can we expect to see from The Septembers over the next year?

Debut album is out now! So touring that, releasing some singles and sexy videos (one of which is up on our myspace), buying a VW combi van for camping trips…

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

Just figure out what you are aspiring to? If you aspire to be true to what you want to do, then it’ll all be fine. maybe.

The Septembers are Anthony Stretch (Vocals/Guitars), Sean Harvey (Guitars/Vocals), Zaria Yusoff (Bass/Vocals) and Andrew Price (Drums).

Website Links

Muzic.net.nz Page
Official Website
MySpace Page
Amplifer Page
Facebook Page
FREE Septembers Downloads!

The debut album from The Septembers 'Edge Of The World' is out now!

APRA Silver Scroll Awards 2009: Announcing The Finalists

Now in its 44th year the APRA Silver Scroll is New Zealand’s most prestigious and influential music award. From a list released last month of the Top 20 songs from the past year, 7,000+ APRA Members have elected their songwriting champions of 2009.

APRA is proud to announce the finalists for the 2009 APRA Silver Scroll Award – recognising outstanding creative excellence in songwriting and composition.

- Shayne Carter (Dimmer) 'Degrees Of Existence'
- Jess Chambers 'Island'
- James Milne & Luke Buda (Lawrence Arabia) 'Apple Pie Bed'
- Phil Madsen 'Dancing On The Moon'
- Jeremy Redmore, Simon Oscroft, Matthew Warman, Aidan Bartlett & Nick Campbell (Midnight Youth) 'The Letter'

“These are a rich and diverse bunch of songs,” says Anthony Healey, Director if NZ Operations for APRA. “It’s hard to explain what links these songs but each of them possess an undeniable quality that grabs you and hooks you in. That’s what makes a great song. These are extraordinary.”

Full Article

Kiwis Pick Up Jandal, Handling It

It's all go at Handle the Jandal Headquarters, with initial interest in the Radio Active 89FM-initiated DIY music video competition already proving a handful for the busy organising team.

Interest has been coming in from the most curious corners of New Zealand, from Temuka to Tolaga Bay and even Tawa, reports event director Hadden Morrison.

"This year we've allowed for a lot more lead in time so it looks like there's a few more people who are willing to create their own fun music videos for Handle the Jandal," he said. "Of course, New Zealand's indie labels are also gearing up to submit their bands' handiwork with the handicams so we're expecting a bumper crop of do-it-yourself videos this year."

The nationwide DIY music video competiton, Handle the Jandal will be held at Wellington's Embassy Theatre, Thursday October 29, and is now calling for entries from far and wide. Anyone can enter and potentially shower themselves in golden-sprayed glory.

Radio Active 89FM's
Handle the Jandal DIY Music Video Awards
October 29, 6.30pm
Embassy Theatre, 10 Kent Terrace, Wellington

Full Article

Save The Cabana, Napier

Napier's celebrated entertainment venue The Cabana may be forced to close its doors following a downturn in audience numbers over the past few months.

In an effort to stave off closure, the Cabana is holding a public meeting at the venue at 7:30pm on Monday August 17th and urges everyone who supports this iconic establishment to attend.

The Cabana was re-opened last year as a non-profit, community-based initiative by a small team of volunteers who have donated thousands of hours of their time to keep the venue open.

Since then, the Cabana has hosted many of New Zealand's top entertainment artists, as well as being used by the community for school projects, private functions, memorial services, and a performance space catering for education, employment and opportunity for musicians and performers of all ages.

Full Article

New Releases

New Album For The Opensouls

The wait is over. Opensouls’ terrifically accomplished sophomore album 'Standing in the Rain' is out Monday 17 August, well and truly solidifying their standing as a top-shelf New Zealand soul band.

Since their musical journey began in 2001, Opensouls have been busy winning over music lovers with their fresh, melodic energy. Infused with elements of soul and old-school R'n'B, the band’s unique sound is due to a collaborative effort from its seven talented members (vocalists Tyra Hammond and Bjorn Peterson; live band consisting of band originators Jeremy Toy – guitar and Julien Dyne – drums; plus Chip Matthews - bass, Isaac Aesili – trumpet, and Harlin Davey - MPC), each bringing their own personality, flair and musical taste to the mix.

Full Article

Debut Solo Album For David Dallas

'Something Awesome' - the debut solo album from David Dallas, sees the return of New Zealand’s smoothest rapper, with a soundtrack for anyone who has aspired to be something more.

In a time when popular hip hop records sound less and less like the songs that attracted David to the genre, 'Something Awesome' is unashamedly vintage in its approach. These are twelve sincere songs from an artist whose life experiences probably mirror your own.

With producers Forty One and Fire and Ice providing the backdrop, guests PNC, Devolo, Aaradhna, Young Sid, and newcomers Jordache and Niko round out the experience that is 'Something Awesome'.

Full Article

New HUMAN Album

In May this year, Christchurch death metal quartet HUMAN set out on their 3rd full length tour of New Zealand in support of their much hyped, yet much anticipated new album titled 'Cadaver Academy.'

On August 17th, Auckland based music distributor Border Music will be releasing 'Cadaver Academy' in stores nationwide. The album boasts 12 quick fire tracks that get the bands' live energy and sinister humour across perfectly without losing the chaotic sound that they have become accustom to producing. With blazing double kick drumming, rumbling distorted bass lines, shredding guitar work and no less than four vocals working the songs to great effect, it's no surprise that earlybird reviews of the album have been extremely enthusiastic thus far.

Full Article and tour dates

New Album For Kabanaz

The new album from Kabanaz is due out 14 September 2009.

More info

New Single For Kapabal

Kapabal's new single 'Rude & Abracious' (produced by Vella Productions), will be available at all good digital stores soon. To sum the song up in two words it's "sarcastic controversy". The song will be on Kapabal's next album that is yet to be titled.

Full Article

New Zealand Corporate Battle of the Bands

Thames, New Zealand, Labour Weekend October 23 – 25, 2009

“This weekend is destined to become one of the major annual events on the New Zealand Music Calendar, with the primary aim to create huge opportunities and a high level of media exposure for local musicians and bands.” Totally Thames President Lance Strong

This event is for members of any business, organization, or corporation who would like to put a band together and enjoy the fun of entertaining and showing off their collective talents.

Full Article

Sites of the Moment: Local Music Websites

CHART - Christchurch Music Industry Trust

The Christchurch Music Industry Trust ((Chart)) was formed at the end of 2005 when a group of local industry stalwarts and recent Christchurch returnees, armed with national and international experience in the music industry combined forces to voluntarily help build the capability of the music industry in Christchurch.

CHART Website

dunedinmusic.com

dunedinmusic.com was setup in June 2003 with a view to providing comprehensive resources for the Dunedin music community and to promote and report on local music of all genres.

Dunedinmusic.com

H-Town

The website for Hamilton's music culture. Includes gig guide, forums, links and much more!

H-Town Website

Got a website for your town or city? Contact us today!

New Artists

The following musicians were added to the muzic.net.nz website recently. Check them out:

Want to add yourself or your band to muzic.net.nz?
Add Artist Form
Info about filling out the add artist form

Artist of the Moment: Cobra Khan

Cobra Khan’s emergence from the wreckage of New Zealand hard hitters Sommerset, Day One and Balance has been as well documented as the amount of thrashing the tracks from their mini album 'Sleepless Lions' received since its release in 2006. They’ve played shows big and small over the last few years, building on the live reputation of their previous endeavours to a point where their loyal local following looks forward to Cobra Khan’s now somewhat semi-annual live performances.

Disinterested in retreading old ground and playing to the conventions of whichever guitar-oriented crowd you’re most likely to lump them into, on their first full-length album Cobra Khan have sidestepped genre restrictions and audience expectations alike to make 'Helgorithms' - an album that brings all manner of influences to bear. 'Helgorithms' was released in October 2008.

With 2009 bringing the release of the 7" Single 'Liquid Separation/Shutter' and a North Island tour, Cobra Khan is the band to watch!

Cobra Khan muzic.net.nz Page
Cobra Khan Tour Dates

Competitions

Past competition winners can be viewed here.

Enter today for your chance to win the following competition, more competitions will be added in the coming weeks:
Please note - you must be logged in to enter competitions.

Reviews

Have a read of our latest reviews:

- Minuit - 'Find Me Before I Die a Lonely Death Dot Com' album review
- Salmonella Dub - 'Freak Local' EP review
- Rebel Peasant - 'The Walls Of The Well' album review
- Dimmer - 'Degrees Of Existence' album review
- Opensouls - 'Standing In The Rain' album review
- Gimar - 'On My Own Buzz' album review

All our latest reviews can be viewed here
All our latest photos can be viewed here

Tour Features

Every feature we have ever had on the site can be viewed here.

Information about muzic.net.nz newsletters

The next muzic.net.nz newsletter is going out on
30 August and will feature David Dallas.

There is space available in our newsletters from 30 August onwards. You can request a date in advance that suits you, or feature in the next available newsletter. There has been a lot of interest in newsletter features this year, so if you would to have a newsletter feature within the next 2 months you should contact Lisa as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. We can feature you/your band even if you have already been featured in a newsletter from a previous year.

With our newsletters being sent out to over 7540 members and this number growing every day, featuring in our newsletter provides awesome exposure for you or your band. And, as the people who receive our newsletters have subscribed to them, they are more likely to read what you have to say.

If you would like to advertise your next album release or tour in our newsletter and/or gig mail out email Lisa. It is 100% FREE to feature or advertise in our newsletter and gig mail outs! We also offer advertising on the muzic.net.nz website for very competitive rates.

We can also feature record labels, music events, venues, music websites and anything else that has something to do with NZ music.

Our next gig mail out is going out on 23 August.

- The muzic.net.nz team

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• 7
  Devilskin
• 8
  Coridian
• 9
  The Boondocks
• 10
  Late to Chelsea

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  Goodshirt @ Festival of Lights - Pukekura Park, New Plymouth - 21/12/2024
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  The Slacks @ Festival of Lights - Pukekura Park, New Plymouth - 21/12/2024
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  LOST BiRD @ Space Academy, Christchurch - 15/12/2024
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  Just Janie @ Space Academy, Christchurch - 15/12/2024

• 1
  APT.
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  Billie Eilish
• 4
  TASTE
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 5
  I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
  Gracie Abrams
• 6
  ESPRESSO
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 7
  SAILOR SONG
  Gigi Perez
• 8
  LOSE CONTROL
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  A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
  Shaboozey
• 10
  GOOD LUCK, BABE!
  Chappell Roan

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