If you're like me, you love to listen to good music. This has probably led me to be a reviewer for Muzic.net.nz, a website that fulfils a special niche in New Zealands music scene.

There's been an absolute cornucopia of good releases over the last few years and thanks to the hard work of many dedicated people, that wonderful music is reaching a larger audience than ever before. Greater dissemination through various media has encouraged people to experience and support our local talent and through clever promotion and many long years of hard work; studios, venues and festivals have really come of age. This has ultimately provided a huge return to the economy, not to mention better creative content. All in all, it's a really good time to be involved in the New Zealand music scene.

My personal preference is for heavy metal and I particularly like to listen to obscure bands that I haven't heard before. Like many people, I have an insatiable appetite for new sounds and that's where the Internet has been a veritable Godsend. Mass communication, MP3 downloads, self-promotion and unlimited information through this medium is a fantastic boon for all creative endeavours.

Couple this with affordable recording technologies and a DIY attitude inherent in most Kiwis, it's no wonder we have some fantastic music to listen to and review for Muzic.net.nz. In my opinion the quality from our self-produced music is on a par with many international releases that have far greater budgets. With some competitive promotion and lucrative worldwide achievement, our various genres and cultures are reaching a wider audience than ever before. This makes me infinitely proud that we have grown our technical ability to such a professional degree as to show off our obvious talents. Pound for pound, we categorically kick arse.

Since the music quota and NZ on Air, we've grown from our enthusiastic heritage rich beginnings, into a dynamic and potent force to be reckoned with. However our efforts and advances are no reason to rest on our laurels, whatever laurels are. There's lots more to achieve and to best reach our full potential we need a concerted effort from all involved, with enough funding and promotion to ensure that what we have already built continues to successfully develop into the future.

- River and the muzic.net.nz team.

Our next issue will feature interviews with some of our reviewers, giving you the chance to find out what makes up a music critic! If you are a musician and you would like to write a muzic.net.nz editorial, email [email protected] today.

Thanks to Danny McCrum for answering these questions:

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

The current plan is simply to play live and continue recording.  

What will The Red Suns’ next release be?

We've just released our album Mojito which can be downloaded at http://theredsuns.bandcamp.com/
Our plans keep evolving, but an acoustic album maybe in the works next.   

How do you come up with your lyrics?

I think every artist has a similar answer to this... experiences etc... This is true for us too. My only other requirement is the lyrics have to make me feel something. Otherwise what's the point?

How do you believe The Red Suns fit into the NZ music industry?

What NZ music industry?

What is the best part of being a musician?

It's really easy to get distracted as a musician, to get caught up in the competitive side of things or the search for that big break... but I think it's crucial to remember why you got into it in the first place, which is that unexplainable buzz you get when you create and connect with music and it all comes together. I try to constantly stay focused on that. The other stuff has it's place, but the main reason we do it is because we love it. I think the best part of being a musician is that it can still give you that buzz after so many years. 

What inspired you to start The Red Suns?

I like to try new things and keep myself out of my comfort-zone. I decided a new musical vehicle would bring about some interesting results and I was right. In recent history I had run my own band (http://www.dannymccrum.com/) and I wanted to get back to the collaborative experience of a conventional band. I think it's really important to be challenged by the people around you and that's one of the greatest advantages in being in a band over doing your own thing.  

How did you come up with the name The Red Suns?

I was watching a documentary about the making of The Joshua Tree by U2 and it showed footage of the desert where the album cover photos were taken. The image of the sun over the desert made me think of the name. I completely forgot about it until a couple of months later when we really needed to think of something so we could move forward. I suggested it and it stuck. There's no significant meaning to it, but we like the feeling of it... positive and upbeat.

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

We supported Eric Clapton at Vector Arena in 2009 which was a huge highlight. We've performed lots of support shows and they're always great. But I also really get a kick out of playing at a packed pub too. I just love a responsive audience no matter where I am.  

How do you keep in contact with your fans?

Facebook baby....and our website! We love our friends and fans. They've always been really good to us!

What rumour would you like to start about The Red Suns?

I love rumours, but I think they're best coming from others.  I wholeheartedly encourage rumours about The Red Suns to be started and spread!

The Red Suns are Luke Fitzgerald, Glen Child, Danny McCrum and Matt Harvey.

Website Links

Muzic.net.nz Page
Official Website
Facebook Page
Youtube Page

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

Hopefully another album - and more shows. I recently finished touring around New Zealand which was great...would like to do that again.

How do you come up with your lyrics?

Unfortunately I never get much notice. Something will hit me, and I just have to stop what I'm doing and get it down as quick as I can.

There's a sweet spot in between being emotionally swayed and being anaylytical about whatever it is I'm writing about.

If I manage to find that spot, then the lryics come out.

Who would you most like to support live?

Brett Dennen and Kristian Matsson

What is the best part of being a musician?

For me its the feeling I get when I've just written a song and I'm working on the demo! My favourite part of the whole process is songwriting and arranging.

What is your favourite place in NZ to be?

Lower Hutt...Shhh!

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

More from the guys who were in the Electric Confectionaires. Was a great band.

How do you keep in contact with your fans?

I just started a facebook page...so please visit/like it!

Website Links

Muzic.net.nz Page
Amplifier Page
MySpace Page
Facebook Page
Twitter Page
Youtube Page

2011 PACIFIC MUSIC AWARDS FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

The finalists for the 2011 Polynesian Blue Pacific Music Awards have been announced with much-loved hip-hop and R&B group Nesian Mystiknamed in four categories, and Ladi6 and Pacific Underground each named in three.

For the first time in the Pacific Music Awards’ seven-year history, two South Island groups are in the running for awards. Both Christchurch and Dunedin-based groups are included in the nominations.

Auckland-based hip-hop and R&B group Nesian Mystik are finalists in the Best Pacific Group and Best Pacific Urban Artist categories, while their fourth studio album ‘99 A.D’ has secured the group a nomination for Best Pacific Music Album. Their melodic single ’Sun Goes Down’ is also a finalist for Best Pacific Song. 

No strangers to the Pacific Music Awards, Nesian Mystik’s diverse cultural backgrounds unite Maori, Tongan, Samoan and Cook Island ancestry to create a distinctive Polynesian sound that has helped make the group a household name in New Zealand.

Christchurch-born artist Ladi6’s second album ‘The Liberation of…’ has a secured her a slot in the Best Pacific Music Album and Best Pacific Urban categories, while her soulful and distinctive vocals have also a secured her a nomination for Best Pacific Female Artist, for which she will compete against pop-R&B diva Erakahand Wellingtonian music veteran Bella Kalolo.

Full Article

MLT Songwriting Awards Finalists Announced

Judging for the 2011 MLT Songwriting Awards took place behind closed doors on Friday with over 70 songs entered; the judging panel had their work cut out to whittle them down to 10 finalist songs.

This year’s judges (John Meddings, Andrea Cruickshank, Marcel Rodeka and Helen Van der Linden) described the standard of entries as extremely high, with some very ardent discussions taking place throughout the day, as they worked rigorously to come up with the finalists.

John Medding’s explained, “We (the judges) are looking for simple melody, focused lyrics, attention to detail and originality of the song. The MLT Songwriting Awards are highly regarded within the industry as an important platform to get your songwriting recognised and in doing so provide the artists with the affirmation to take their songwriting to the next level.”

Full Article

Smokefree Pacifica Beats Entries Open

Smokefree Pacifica Beats is a nationwide high school music competition that encourages young people to create and perform their own original, contemporary music.

SFPB started within the mighty Smokefree Rockquest back in 1994. Now it is a competition in its own right, stretching to six regions in Aotearoa.

This year, the first prize package includes a $10,000 song and music video recording grant from New Zealand On Air; $3,000 worth of music equipment from MusicWorks; an interview and single launch on Backyard Beats, courtesy of MaiFM; a performance slot at Raggamuffin 2012, courtesy of JuiceT; and a performance at Pasifika 2012, courtesy of Auckland Council - all making for a great start for you and your band!

You've got to be in it to win it! Entries are now open to take advantage of this great opportunity to get your music career on track.

Full Article

CHARTFest 2011!

Christchurch’s NZ Music Month Festival Is Set To Return
CPSA, CPIT Madras St Campus – Saturday 14 May 2011 

CHARTFEST 2011, Christchurch's NZ Music Month live music extravaganza, is set to return on Saturday 14 May at the new location of CPIT’s student association (CPSA) building and grounds on Madras St., Christchurch.

With the generous support of CPIT, CCC and Smokefree, CHARTFEST in its fourth year moves in a new direction, with an exciting line up and range of music related activities. Christchurch’s annual May festival keeps the tradition of shining a light on the city's hottest emerging acts as well as honouring some important alumni.

1990’s progressive art punk rockers, SQUIRM reform and play a rare Christchurch show and join an incredible line up of South Island grown talent such as the RDU98.5FM Dux de Lux RoundUp winners THE GUEST and the UCSA Battle of the Bands champions VON VOIN STRUM and the Lyttelton super group THE HARBOUR UNION featuring the Harbour’s finest musical talent. Al Park, Lindon Puffin, Delaney Davidson, and members of The Eastern, Unfaithful Ways and Tiny Lies will perform songs from their earthquake benefit album due for release in May. Keep an eye out for other special guests on the night.

Full Article

Red Bull Music Academy To Be Held In Madrid

The Red Bull Music Academy 2011 will be held in the exceptional surroundings of Matadero, Madrid. Set in one of the most remarkable industrial architecture sites of early twentieth century Madrid, the industrial complex is currently being transformed into the Spanish capital's biggest centre for contemporary creation.

The Red Bull Music Academy - to be held from 23 October to 25 November - will lay the foundation for musical activities. Through their collaboration with the City Council's Department of the Arts, it is ensured that the Academy space will live on as a cultural hub - and that the music won't stop in years to come. This unique opportunity will also allow for a new level of set-up and design at the studios built for the Academy 2011.

Matadero, Madrid aims to foster an integral approach to culture and to become a vibrant laboratory for the development of new cross-disciplinary projects in performing & visual arts, design, music, dance, architecture, urban planning, landscape design, fashion, literature, cinema and thought.

Full Article

La De Da Festival Returns for 2011

La De Da Festival is set to return to Martinborough this coming New Year’s Eve, bigger and better than before. Growing from the overwhelming success of its 2010 debut, the 2011/12 festival will boast more space, more acts and more stages.

To accommodate a larger scale production and higher quality New Year’s Eve experience for their audience, La De Da will be moving to an alternate Martinborough location, where capacity can also be increased pending council approval.

“We are stoked to have secured a new site for La De Da 2011/12 and onwards,” says Festival Co-Director Josh Mossman. “After months of scouring the region for a new venue for La De Da, the spot we’ve chosen was the top of our list, and we are excited about the potential it offers us to deliver a higher quality of festival to the ticket holders.”

Full Article

Other NZ Music News
Gig and Tour News
Artist News

New Artists

The following musicians were added to the muzic.net.nz website during the last fortnight:

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

Reviews

These reviews were added to the site in the last two weeks, check them out at the links below:

- Leeches - Self Titled Debut EP

- PNC - Man on Wire Album Review

- Box Juice - Sunrise Ave Album Review

- Crimson Rain - The Mask Within - Single Review

- AmosAnon Album Review

You can check out every single interview and review in our Articles Page.

Tour Features

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

The next muzic.net.nz newsletter is going out on Sunday 8 May
and it will be your chance to meet some of the muzic.net.nz team!

Feature space is available in both of our NZ Music Month newsletters.
- 8 and 22 May -

Any and all NZ bands and musicians can feature in our newsletters...
...even if you featured in a previous year.
You can choose any newsletter date which suits you.

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

If you would like to feature in a muzic.net.nz newsletter, contact Lisa for further details.

Muzic.net.nz newsletters are sent out to over 8370 members!
With this number growing every day, featuring in our newsletter is an excellent promotional tool.
A muzic.net.nz newsletter feature will provide you with the exposure you need.

Our newsletter archives are one of the most accessed areas on the site.

If you would like to advertise anything to do with NZ music 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!

The next muzic.net.nz gig mail out is going out on 1 May.

- The muzic.net.nz team

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