Newsletter Issue #379: 06 May 2012
This Flight Tonight
Thanks to Ralph for answering these questions:
What can we expect to see from This Flight Tonight over the next year?
In June 2012, I am relocating (bandless) to Europe. Hoping to give music a go over there, most fans who have bought TFT's debut record are from Europe. I'd like the opportunity to play to them live as thanks. I'd also like to travel so Europe seems like a fun place to be.
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Have a vision and work hard, have short term and long term goals in mind. Respect who you work with. Write the best songs you can possibly write, if you are not getting the response you want, you need to get better at writing. Collaborate as this inspires. Get training in improving your musicianship. Focus on substance and not the glitter.
Who are your favourite NZ musicians/bands, and why?
Kimbra and Ladyhawke. I have a thing for female singers haha. But I think they also work hard regardless of the obstacles they've come across. They seem to have a natural personality, no egos, and just really talented and down to earth.
What will This Flight Tonight’s next release be?
I have been writing the next release already. I think I'm up to about 20 songs I have shortlisted. It will be a short album too, probably around 7 songs again. I want it to be the best of the best. I'd like the next record to really keep the theme of "Dynamic Rock". Meaning some songs have a lot of energy but there are really intimate moments too. I'd like the next record to be a mix of fun songs and also real dark songs.
How do you come up with your lyrics?
I keep a notepad with me at all times. I leave notes on my computer and my phone, of words I like, conversations I listen into, I read books, watch documentaries, and draw from real experiences. If I have nothing to write about I try and do something in my life so I have something to write about. I am a method lyricist much like a method actor.
Who would you most like to support live?
Simple... Radiohead.
How do you believe This Flight Tonight fits into the NZ music industry?
I like to see TFT as an individualist at times, and not a collectivist. Meaning if there is a trend I spot in the industry, I try and to do the complete opposite with TFT.
What can you never leave home without?
My guitar, my portable recorder, my songbook, and dreams close to heart.
How do you describe This Flight Tonight’s music?
Dynamic Rock. 'Dynamic', pertaining to the volume range of musical sound. TFT go from soft dynamics to loud with emotive contrast.
What is your favourite NZ venue?
I love Shadows Bar because the staff there really look after musicians. I also love UFO New Lynn, run by Andrew from Powertool Records. This man is so passionate about original music and I love people that are in it for the music.
What is the best part of being a musician?
The freedom to rebel from society. A platform to create a voice, to express and and inspire humanity to its next evolution.
What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?
I would like to see more alternative rock, and probably less Reggae/Metal/Techno in NZ. Not that I dislike these genres, I would just like to see more organic guitar bands. My taste changes all the time though. Ultimately, I'd like to see more bands that put emphasis on great lyrics and new musical ideas.
What is in your CD collection at home?
I write this list down on http://thisflighttonight.com/songbook
What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?
Playing to a crowd, and getting feedback like "I love that song you just covered" when it was an original song.
What is your favourite place in NZ to be?
Places where there is live music and good food.
What inspired you to start This Flight Tonight?
I had a breakup from a longterm relationship, initially it was a way for me to have my therapy. When I started performing these personal and revealing songs, things naturally fell into place. Before that I wrote lots of music, mainly techno music to be honest. But I don't think it had substance, and definitely I've noticed TFT's music seem to be more popular. I think it's because these new songs came from really truthful moments in my life. I had to be hurt first. Then I had to be mad about things. Then I had to find happiness again. And TFT did that, it changed my outlook.
How did you come up with the name This Flight Tonight?
An indie label who wanted to sign us gave us a list of about 20 band names, mostly drawn from song names etc. This Flight Tonight is a tribute to artist Joni Mitchell. The name just drew me. When I heard the name it conjured up images of the emotional departures and arrivals at airports. I felt a sense of attachment to the name. It created urgency, a sense of freedom, the thought of flying to a new destination to escape the past.
What is the best gig you have ever performed at, and why?
Global Battle of the Bands, we came first in Auckland and 3rd in NZ. It was a moment of recognition that "okay this thing doesn't suck, I think I'll keep writing".
How do you keep in contact with your fans?
They can contact me through http://thisflighttonight.com/contact, I also use Facebook to interact with people.
What rumour would you like to start about This Flight Tonight?
That I am good friends with Thom Yorke.
This Flight Tonight is Ralph Warren Engle & guests
Website Links
Official Website (includes MP3 downloads)
Amplifier Page
MySpace Page
Facebook Page
Friendly Fire muzic.net.nz Album Review
Melic
Melic is a four-piece rock band based in London with an eclectic sound; derived from fusing a funk-rock bassist, a metal drummer, a classically trained pianist and saxophonist, and a rock singer/song-writer guitarist. With three EP’s under their belt and almost three years cutting their teeth on the London live music scene, the band is FINALLY coming home to tour NZ in June this year. Melic have performed alongside the likes of INXS, Shihad, I Am Giant and Katchafire – and later on in mid-June this year, Kora. The band’s new single titled ‘Nowhere I’d Rather Be’ is now on radio waves around the world and the full EP is available on iTunes (and all other good online music stores). The new music video is also out now and can be seen here.
Melic are celebrating the release of their new EP with the ‘Nowhere I’d Rather Be’ NZ Tour, with the following show dates:
3rd June – Krazy Jack’s – TAURANGA
5th June – Dux Live - CHRISTCHURCH
6th June - Cavern Club - WELLINGTON
8th June - Altitude – HAMILTON
9th June - Juice Bar - AUCKLAND
Nowhere I’d Rather Be NZ Tour – June 2012 :
http://www.therock.net.nz/Melic-Nowhere-Id-Rather-Be-NZ-tour/tabid/653/articleID/19600/Default.aspx
Ticket link: http://www.undertheradar.co.nz/index.php?task=ticket&q=melic
Melic are Andrew Coogan (drums), Mark Hitchcock (vocals, guitar), Steve Hitchcock (bass, vocals) and Romy Bylin (saxophone, keyboards).
Website Links
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NZ Music News
Country Album & Song Finalists Announced
The finalists for the RIANZ Best Country Music Album 2012 have been announced today.
Two of the finalists - The Harbour Union and The Unfaithful Ways - are from Christchurch and both of their albums have emotional connections with the city’s devastating earthquakes.
The third finalist is no stranger to the awards – Tami Neilson’s “The Kitchen Table Sessions Vol II” is her third finals berth.
Also announced are the finalists for the APRA Best Country Song Award for 2012.
South Otago singer Aaron Jury with his song “29”, 2011 APRA Silver Scroll finalist Delaney Davidson for “You’re A Loser”, and “Ghost of This Town” by Marlon Williams – who also doubles as member of Country Album finalist The Unfaithful Ways.
Both awards are to be presented on Thursday 31 May at the New Zealand Country Music Awards in Gore.
Finalists Announced for the 2012 Music Managers Awards
MMF and PPNZ are proud to announce the finalists for the 2012 Music Managers Awards.
This years finalists show a variety of both accomplished and fresh new managers with Teresa Patterson of CRS Management (Six60, I Am Giant and Iva Lamkum) sharing the top nominations alongside management newbie Tim Bern (The Checks) with 3 nominations each.
Awards spokesperson Wairere Iti says he’s excited to see a mix of established and new managers in the finalists’ line up.
"The list of inspiring managers making up the finalists shows the broad range of qualities managers require in todays market. Experience sitting nicely alongside enthusiasm, ably assisted by exceptional musical talent, demonstrating that now is a particularly exciting time to be in the music management business"
A manager today has to have the knowledge & can-do attitude to work tirelessly for the love of their band. The MMF offers professional development and networking opportunities around the country for people to share and learn from the experiences of others. The MMF ultimately seeks to improve the managers' capacity to support the careers of the artists they represent.
Government welcomes New Zealand Music Month
Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Christopher Finlayson and Broadcasting Minister Craig Foss today welcomed the beginning of the 12th New Zealand Music Month, saying it was a great way to sample from a full range of local music offerings nationwide.
“New Zealand musicians continue to go from strength to strength on the international stage,” Mr Finlayson said. “Kimbra Johnson is the first New Zealand artist to have a US number one single since the late Pauly Fuemana. Bret McKenzie won an Oscar for his Muppets soundtrack work. These stellar achievements come in addition to the continued success of artists from popular music to our internationally respected NZ Symphony Orchestra.”
Kimbra Claims Top Honours In The International Songwriting Competition (ISC)
The International Songwriting Competition (ISC), the world's foremost global songwriting event, is pleased to announce its 2011 winners. ISC’s Grand Prize for 2011 is awarded to
Out of over 16,000 international entries,
Winning ISC's highest honor is
The Turnbull Mix
To help celebrate New Zealand Music Month, the National Library is running a month of music posts on the National Library Blog (http://beta.natlib.govt.nz/blog) These will showcase some of the gems in its music collections, both old and new; from sheet music to digital download.
The Managers, NZ's Hardest Working, Longest Running Ska Band Has a New Name
After two albums, an EP, international tours, and twenty years of high-energy live shows, The Managers are changing their name. The much-loved local outfit, fronted by larger-than-life singer Paul 'Hooli' Frewin, have decided to start a new chapter with some fresh members, new songs, and a big show to kick it all off on Saturday, May 12 at 4:20 in Auckland.
True veterans of the difficult New Zealand music industry, The Managers formed in 1993, and quickly earned a big reputation for uncompromising live shows with their fast paced, 'big band' sound. Albums like Special (2003) and Take It Or Leave It (2007) would see The Managers contribute tunes to compilations such as Conscious Roots and Grey Lynn Park Festival Sampler. In 2010 the acclaimed Grove Street Tapes was self-released, displaying the band in a more mellow roots reggae style which Graham Reid would review as "sitting easily alongside locals like Salmonella Dub, dDub and others... real nice" . Along the way have been three music videos, hundreds of shows around the country, international touring, and "a truckload of fun," says Hooli.
"It is always an honour to play with the bands we grew up with," adds Rick Singleton, who has played trumpet in the band for over a decade. "The Specials, The Skatalites, UK Subs, The Beat, Less Than Jake, these are all bands we have been honoured to ask to support."
Most recently, the band headlined the Prana Festival in Coromandel over the New Year, and toured the North Island with their new sound. Returning to Auckland early January, they played the only support slot for legendary British ska outfit Bad Manners, at the Auckland's packed Kings Arms.
New Releases
Enemy Empire Announce Free Release Of Debut EP
Luckless Release New Single 'Hawks'
Tomorrow People To Release Debut Album 'One' On June 1
Tour and Gig Announcements
The Smashing Pumpkins Announce One NZ Show
Gatherer Release 'So Be It' Pre-Order & Announce Launch Tour
Lil’ Band O’Gold Bring Their Magic Back To New Zealand
The Black Keys return to New Zealand... to unlock their magic
Lawrence Arabia Presents ‘The Sparrow’ Album Release and NZ Tour
Opossom ‘Electric Hawaii’ NZ Shows Announced
Other NZ Music News
Gig and Tour News
Artist News
Muzic.net.nz News
New Artists
The following musicians have been added to the muzic.net.nz website during the last fortnight:
| Dogs of Babylon | Tightlipped |
| Everisingsun | The Hamma |
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Reviews
Check out our latest reviews at the links below:
The Black Seeds - Dust and Dirt Album Review
Sir T - Walk With Me Album Review
Sherpa - Lesser Flamingo Album Review
Skank Attack - Here on Out Album Review
This Flight Tonight - Friendly Fire Album Review
Arc of Ascent - The Higher Key Album Review
All of our reviews can be viewed here.
Tour Features
Every feature we have ever had on the site can be viewed here
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