That's right... Muzic.net.nz is now 10 years old! To celebrate our 10th birthday we have lined up a massive newsletter for this week, and there'll be more to come in the final issue for the year, going out on 6 December!
It's almost hard to believe that it's been 10 years since the site was started in 1999, and a lot has changed with NZ music since then. Number 1 singles in 1999 included those from Blackstreet, New Radicals, Boyzone, S Club 7 and 5ive with NZ number 1's being far and few between. KiwiFM and C4 didn't exist and neither did NZ Music Month. The Tui's were still the highlight on the music industry's calendar, but was an invitation-only event. It's easy to see how far the NZ music industry has come since 1999.
For myself personally, muzic.net.nz is definitely the best thing I have ever started... it has given me 10 years of enjoyment, 10 years of amazing gigs, 10 years of meeting outstanding musicians, and most importantly - 10 years of the best of NZ music. It has been an incredible journey, and I'm sure it will continue for another 10 years at the very least.
It hasn't been easy working on muzic.net.nz while holding down a full time job, but it has definitely been worthwhile and I wouldn't have it any other way. If there's one thing that muzic.net.nz has taught me, it's that you shouldn't sit around living a life of what ifs... if you have a good idea you should go out there and make it happen... it definitely pays to not listen to all those people who think you can't do it - the only way to find out if something can work, is by doing it.
Muzic.net.nz wouldn't have lasted 10 years if it wasn't for all those people that have supported us over the years - our reviewers & photographers, musicians & bands, record company reps, people that run venues and other NZ music websites, radio stations etc, and you.. our members who have signed up to recieve this newsletter, and everyone else who visits the site. Thank you to you all.
Here's to the next 10 years :)
- Lisa, Adam and the muzic.net.nz team
What is the best gig you have ever performed at, and why?
Our 'Inner Reflection' video release party at Toto’s Bacco Room with Shades Of Gray & Graham Candy. It was a Rockstar-themed party and some people really put an amazing effort into dressing up, which created a great ambience for the dungeon-like venue. We also had a crazy M.C., a Video Jockey, and an Air Guitar competition, all of which added to a night of quality mayhem. We were also able to share the stage with some great musicians who contributed significantly to the success of the event.
What is your favourite NZ venue?
To date – Toto's Bacco Room. It's a great venue to perform at; it has an awesome character about it, and looks amazing with the right lighting and a decent crowd.
What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?
We would love to see more of Shades Of Gray, 29 Blackbirds, Redline, & Chris Reed. They are all stand out musicians who are working as hard as they can to break through into the mainstream scene; and they absolutely rock live!
What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?
Back in the late 90s we were on a tour bus through Montreal, and we had picked up a crazy Mexican tourist at a bar that we played at the night before called The Juicy Cougar. We were all sitting round playing drinking games with a vintage bottle of tequila, and he wouldn’t eat the worm … being a Mexican, we told him he needed to harden the f*ck up, meanwhile he was getting really angry, and busted out a sawn off shotgun, and started threatening everyone. We managed to get him off the bus by using the Steve Irwin crocodile death roll manoeuvre, but will never be able to go back to Montreal.
How did you come up with the name Prolepsis?
It is always a challenge to come up with a band name. The intention was to find a name that was both unique, and thought provoking. A prolepsis is an anticipation of a future event. For example, the phrase 'dead man walking' is proleptic because it anticipates what will occur as a feature of the man's present condition.
How do you describe your music?
The love child of Dave Grohl and Chuck Norris - One bad mother rocker!
What can we expect to see from Prolepsis during 2010?
A few hot music videos, a possible summer tour, AMAZING shows nationwide and a possible topless appearance in the annual NZ fireman calendar.
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Create an image and brand that you can market rigorously and confidently, but above all, enjoy yourselves and party like rockstars!
Prolepsis is Riley Al-Johary (vocals, guitar), Nathan Garton (guitar), Paul Field (bass, vocals) and Carl Hayman (drums).
Website Links
Muzic.net.nz Page
Muzic.net.nz Photo Gallery
Official Website
MySpace Page
Facebook Page
Twitter Page
Blogspot Page
Amplifier Page
Inner Reflection Photos and more
Inner Reflection on YouTube
Prolepsis' debut album Revolve is out now! The band will be @ Real Groovy in Auckland on 28 November from 2:30pm.
What is the best gig you have ever performed at, and why?
Two gigs come to mind that are equal in satisfaction value. In the U.S. we performed at a renowned venue called Downtown Brew in San Luis Obispo, California... we had done heaps of promotion for this gig and it was our first album release and first tour in the states. The place packed out and the crowd absolutely went off. In New Zealand our album release of 'Quiet Earth' at Chicks Hotel in Port Chalmers was definitely the best show to date. You couldn't have fit another head into the venue and the high energy crowd was literally jumping up and down for the 2 hours that we played. Plus we had one of our favourite bands support: the Biff Merchants. It was a good feeling!
What is your favourite NZ venue?
I couldn't name just one venue because NZ has so many great ones. But what comes to mind is the Mussel Inn in Takaka, Redcliffe Cafe in Te Anau, Riverhouse in Wanaka, Hot Mamas in Motueka, Blue Pub in Methven and Chicks Hotel and Sammy's in Dunedin. (We must be South Islander's!)
What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?
Biff Merchants and Left or Right... on their night they are two of the best bands I've ever witnessed play.
What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?
There have been heaps of embarrassing moments on tour unfortunately... slurring words, forgetting lyrics, screwing up songs... but getting known for the band that start bar brawls is the worst! Not that we do start it, it's just that there have been some gnarly fights at our gigs over the years... two of which were full bar brawls where everyone was involved! Drunk people suck!!
How do you describe your music?
I don't describe it very well. Music is hard to write about. Basically we smash through the outer edges of most genres, giving our music a fucked up shape that won't fit into any pigeon-shaped hole. Troubadour songwriting, grungy rock and roll, latin spice, alt country and psychedelic, dubbed out, funky, jazzy beats all get smeared together for some air time. This diversity is probably our biggest strength and steepest street..."so, what kind of music do you play?" Um... Yeah... About that... Check the album, or better yet, check a live show. In short: "Let the music do the talking."
What can we expect to see from the Julian Temple Band during 2010?
We've just released our second album 'Quiet Earth' and are touring NZ extensively over summer with a stop off at many a small beach town and the Parihaka International Peace Festival. We've also got a third album in the pipeline being mixed and mastered by Tom Bell (from the Heavy 8's) at his Tin Shack studio in Dunedin. If all goes to plan and we can save a bit of cash then we'll release that some time next year...
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
If it's what you want to do, then do it... but definitely don't do it for the money or the fame... there is no such thing!! And when it's time to leave this planet you can't take any of that with you anyway. Oh yeah.. and suss your band name wisely... we had to change ours after touring and releasing with it for 3 years because of legal shite!! Totally pushed us back a step or two... THOUSAND!
The Julian Temple Band is Paul McLennan-Kissel (drums), Scott Campbell (bass) and Julian Temple Wilson (guitar, vocals).
Website Links
Muzic.net.nz Page
Official Website
MySpace Page
Facebook Page
Twitter Page
Amplifier Page
Tour Dates
The Julian Temple Band have recently released their second album 'Quiet Earth'.
What is the best gig you have ever performed at, and why?
That’s a hard one. I think the first Camp A Low Hum was probably the best for me, mostly because there was just such a good vibe. The audience was in such a good mood, we were outside, the sun was just about to go down, we were drinking cask wine on stage and smoking cigarettes. Really, for me at least how good a gig is totally depends on the mood of the audience, if they are having fun then so am I – which was definitely the case with camp.
What is your favourite NZ venue?
I’ll have to say the Mighty Mighty in Wellington. Doesn’t always have the best sound, and doesn’t have a green room, but there’s always an awesome crowd and we always have the most fun there. The drinks are cheap, the staff are charming and the people are always interesting.
What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?
The Cosbys, because their songs are brilliant and their live show is a hell of a lot of fun. 47 Diamantes because they are awesome. Rap Authoritar because he’s totally underrated and is a much better rapper than I am.
What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?
I think I’ve reached a point where I’ve done so many things that could be considered embarrassing that I actually don’t find anything that embarrassing anymore. I’ve worn little more than tinfoil on stage. I’ve dressed up like a bumblebee. I made a really dirty joke on stage at an all ages show in Christchurch. No one got that it was a joke either which made it even worse. There were quite a few angry parents staring at me. I thought it was pretty funny.
How do you describe your music?
Rap music for people who prefer The Brunettes to Smashproof.
What can we expect to see from Tommy Ill during 2010?
An incredibly swift rise to success in mid January, followed by a full length album, songs in the top 40, massive corporate sponsorship, the development of a substance abuse problem, a Woman’s Day scandal, rehab, another string of top 40 hits and brief return to fame before fading into obscurity by December. Kidding - but hopefully a full length album!
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Make as many friends as possible. Don’t be afraid to ask people for things. Always use a fake name and phone number when talking to groupies. Steal the other band’s rider. If you punch someone in the head, hug them afterwards. Be nice to your audience.
Website Links
Muzic.net.nz Page
MySpace Page
Facebook Page
Amplifier Page
Loop Recordings Aot(ear)oa Page
Tommy Ill's third EP 'Come Home Mr. Ill' was released on 17 November, 2009.
What is the best gig you have ever performed at, and why?
Played with Luck (Jordan Luck from The Exponents) once and at the end of the their set they got us up to sing the last couple of songs with them. He let us play 'Why Does Love Do This To Me' with Fuser and the Luck band on stage at the same time. I remember that song from School so it was a great feeling to be playing it with the original guy standing next to us. Very cool feeling. If your reading this Jordan, Thanks very much mate.
What is your favourite NZ venue?
Lots of great venues round the place. In Auckland The Dogs Bollix. Great venue, great atmosphere and great people to work with. Also love playing at The Kentish in Waiuku. Actually anywhere is a good place to play but these really stand out.
What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?
There are so many great acts out there at the moment but Bryce Wastney and Invader Cain are 2 special favourites. Bryce is a great solo artist and friend of ours. He works hard and has great acoustic folkie tunes you can tap your toe to. We also love Invader Cain. They are high energy and huge fun to watch.
What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?
What happens on tour............................ There was this 1 show in Palmy where we were going for a nicely timed jump and John fell off the stage. He tried to grab his amp to stop the fall but pulled that off stage as well. Jackass would have been proud. The amp survived as well.
How did you come up with the name Fuser?
I work for a photocopier company and a 'Fuser unit' is a common name for the hot part of a copier that melts the toner on the page. A mate of mine said 'Fuser sounds cool' and although I wasn't keen initially because of the tie in to my job, over a period of time it stuck.
How do you describe your music?
Blend of Hard rock and dirty rock and roll. We call it Atomic Rock.
What can we expect to see from Fuser during 2010?
We are 3 quarters of the way through album 2 at the moment. We have the 1st single, 'World Of Make Believe', playing on Hauraki and are expecting to have album out March 2010. We also have some tours in the works.
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Do what inspires you. Don't try to be anyone else and most importantly be proud of your ability to make music.
Fuser is Ian Black (vocals, guitar), John Burkett (bass), Dave Morello (drums) and Robert Pike (guitar).
Website Links
Muzic.net.nz Page
Muzic.net.nz Photo Gallery
MySpace Page
Facebook Page
Twitter Page
YouTube Page
Amplifier Page
Fuser's next album will be released at the beginning of 2010. Until then, you can listen to their singles 'The Rules', 'Free Lunch' and 'You Will Know' from their Muzic.net.nz page. Their debut self-titled album was released in 2006.
What is the best gig you have ever performed at, and why?
I always enjoy theatre gigs the most. Something about the atmosphere and vibe in the room. I really enjoyed a gig at the Bruce Mason Centre this year with Tommy Emmanuel. I also really like the big outdoor gigs. Probably, the most amazing gig we've ever played was supporting Eric Clapton at Vector this year. I've grown up listening to his music and he's a big influence. It was such an honour being asked to do that show. I don't really have a preference though, because I enjoy playing no matter where I am.
What is your favourite NZ venue?
Tough question; there are so many to chose from. Again I love the theatres, but I think the Juice Bar in Auckland deserves special mention. Not only is it iconic in NZ music history, but it has a great vibe and the owners are extremely supportive and proactive. They put many other venues attitudes to shame.
What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?
I've been bugging Chris Melville to release another Grand Central Band album and I hear there is one on the way. Those guys are so damn funky. But over all, I would like to see a bit more balance in what's coming out and getting all the support.
What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?
Hmmm... we've had many gear breakdowns, people starting fights, crazy drunk people, high heels thrown at us, people climbing up on stage, cars and vans breaking down, overnight drives... the usual crap that comes with gigging over the years. But I've never been embarrassed. Not yet anyway!
How do you describe your music?
I'm not really fussed on music descriptions. No matter how you describe it, you still need to hear it to know what it sounds like. So I just say we're a rock band.
What can we expect to see from the Danny McCrum Band during 2010?
We plan to make another music video and of course we plan to keep gigging to promote the album. We should be playing all across the country next year promoting the new album.
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Work hard, stay grounded, have integrity and don't compromise or cut corners in any part of what you do.
The Danny McCrum Band is Danny McCrum (guitar, vocals), Matt Harvey (bass) and Glen Child (drums).
Website Links
Muzic.net.nz Page
Muzic.net.nz Photo Gallery
Official Website
MySpace Page
Facebook Page
Twitter Page
Amplifier Page
The second album for the Danny McCrum Band 'Say What You Mean' is out now!
What is the best gig you have ever performed at, and why?
The 2008 Parihaka International Peace Festival. The sun was just going down and the light was beautiful. Everyone looked amazing and the vibe was just right. That was what I like to think of as the birth of the BIVinators. That got the ball rolling and the project has had great momentum from that moment... Kia Ora Te Miringa!
What is your favourite NZ venue?
oooo... I'd have to say the Newtown Community & Cultural Centre in Wellington, or Sammy's in Dunedin. The Newtown Community & Cultural Centre has shown us some great times with the events we've put on there (Woken Bird!), you can feel the community energy in the room and it's just the right size to keep everyone together as one group while still offering a nice amount of space. Then there's the amazing Sammy's in Dunedin which is run by a great crew of people that make the place magic. The ceiling is so high you might not be able to throw a ball at it, and the decorative elements of the archway and the building in general make for an enchanting atmosphere... not to mention the Green Man:)
What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?
I'd like to see more of Fraser Ross, Benjamin Lemi Wood, Very Nice Tree House and The Merlin Webster as they all show such great potential but are not widely known at this stage. You should all check them out if you get the chance. I'd also like to see TrinityRoots again :)
What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?
hmmm... maybe when I was playing at the Town Hall and looked down to realise I'd forgotten to put on my pants... oh hold on... that was just a dream. In that case I guess it would have to be one of my first public performances on a stage in Sydney when my friend and I started singing so out of tune with each other that everyone started laughing :) the moment was even caught in a live recording somehow, so all the family and friends back home got to enjoy it too. We had a good laugh too but "oh shame :)"
How did you come up with the band name Roy G and The BIVinators?
It's based on the acronym R.O.Y. G. B.I.V. which is often taught in primary schools to help us remember the colours of the rainbow, or the order of the spectrum of light. So it's basically a light hearted reference to the rainbow (symbolising joy for me), as well as to the power of community, the 7 visible colours existing in harmony (among the subtle frequencies) to create The Light. It also references all the other 'and the' names I've enjoyed such as Justin Hinds and the Dominoes, or Bob Marley and the Wailers... etc.
How do you describe your music?
I spent many years being reluctant to answer that one, but these days I say "it's a cohesive blend of Folk, Ska, Soul, Funk, Roots, Rock and Reggae with an upbeat positive energy that's designed to get your boody moving..." or something along those lines. I'm happy to recieve feedback on how other people would descibe it too. Any thoughts people?
What can we expect to see from Roy G and The BIVinators during 2010?
Well we're just releasing our album now 'The Rainbow Throw', it'll be in stores Jan 11th through Border, online through amplifier and iTunes, and available at our shows over the album release tour which runs from Dec 09 to Jan 2010. After that we'll start working on a new album for release in another year or so, and keep playing as many live shows as possible. We're also keen to get overseas and develop our audiences internationally, make lots of music videos, play at lots of parties, and have a grand old time while selling enough albums to keep the ball rolling:) We're always working to develop our Party State Of Mind and find new ways to share it with everyone. Who knows what the future holds? Not me... but I have a good feeling it will be full of good times and abundance:) I think we're going to be involved in helping to put together the Harvest Festival which is being planned for early 2010 at Tapu Te Ranga Marae in Island Bay, Wellington. Things like that seem to be what we're drawn to.
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Keep thinking positive, you never know what opportunities are lying around the corner. Are you going to be ready to take advantage of them when they come? Or are you just sitting there thinking about how hard it all is? Everyone has there ups and downs, you've just got to decide why you're doing it... and whether or not you're really committed. Organise your own events with the members of your musical community you want to play with and put yourself out on a limb. Get busy! and think of as many ways to have people remember your name as you can. People see a lot of posters so by the time yours is up you want people to already know the name from somewhere.
Much love to the Aotearoa Massive. Hopefully we'll catch you on the dance floor at one of our album release shows this summer. Che!
ROY G and the BIVinators is Maz Hermon, Ben Wood, Fraser MacKenzie, Suni Gibson and Joe Simmons.
Website Links
Muzic.net.nz Page
Official Website
MySpace Page
Amplifier Page
The debut album for ROY G and the BIVinators 'The Rainbow Throw' will be released on January 11 through Border music, Amplifier and iTunes. You can also catch them on tour during December and January.
Nesian Mystik win big at the Maori Music Awards
Nesian Mystik took out four of the eight awards the Maori Music Awards held on Saturday at the Hawkes Bay Opera House in Hastings. As Nesian Mystik were unable to attend the awards Awanui's dad accepted the four awards on behalf of the group.
Nesian Mystik member Feleti Strickson-Pua said today: Thank you for working so hard to recognise our people...it is special and appreciated indeed.
Nesian Mystik won the following awards:
Best Maori Pop Artist or Artists Award for Elevator Musiq (Bounce Records)
Best Maori Urban Artist or Artists Award for Elevator Musiq (Bounce Records)
Best Maori Song for Nesian 101 (Bounce Records)
Best Maori Songwriter
Other winners were:
Best Maori Male Solo Artist
- Leon Wharekura
Best Maori Female Solo Artist
- Maisey Rika
Radio Airplay Record of the Year by a Maori Artist
- Tiki Taane
Radio Airplay Record of the Year by a Maori Artist in Te Reo Maori
- Ruia Aperahama
Full Article
Nesian Mystik on Muzic.net.nz
New Artists
The following musicians were added to the muzic.net.nz website recently. Check them out:
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