Heathen Eyes have been described as having a powerful solid energy with obvious potential. Their latest single Ocea is now available on Bandcamp. They answered the following questions for muzic.net.nz:

Chris Birch (drums)

What is the best part of being a musician?
For me it is having a creative outlet with no limits. When I am playing it is the only time I am truly relaxed.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Work hard at getting good at your instrument but always have fun. It is amazing to play in front of big crowds and to have a CD that you've played on, but if you're not having fun doing it there's no point.
 
What is in your current CD collection (listening to)?
I'm really enjoying the latest Shinedown album. I've gone way back and rediscovered Pride & Glory with Zack Wylde. Dream Theater, Motley Crue, The Police, Tool & Primus are on constantly. El Bajo and Decortica get plenty of speaker time as my two favourite Kiwi bands.
 
How do you believe Heathen Eyes' fit into the NZ music industry?
We are in there at the commercial end of the rock spectrum and our live show promises to be worth seeing, the visual representation of the band is very important to us.
 
What is the best gig you've played and why?
I have two for very different reasons. When I was in the UK, I played at a huge biker festival. We were on early in the day so the crowd was pretty chilled, it rained half way through our set, the crowd, all 15 thousand of them, got on their feet and it went off.

The other was a very small club gig here in Auckland with my previous band Kasium. We put the gig on, headlined and played an hour and a half of material that I loved (and still do), I played so hard my hands were bleeding but it was the most fun I have ever had at a gig.
 
Karyn Ayria (Bass)

What is the best thing about being a musician?
I think filling your mind with art or creativity can really help set you free.

You are allowed that chance to be vulnerable and express your thoughts and opinions. It can even make you feel nothing at all, and sometimes 'nothing' can be a good thing. It can take your mind off stress that day to day lives can bring.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
If you feel it and believe it, you've got it. To me music is about transferring feeling into sound.

Whether that be happy, pissed or miserable. If music couldn't relate to anyones feelings, I think it wouldn't exist.

Find what makes you feel good, surround yourself with it. Absorb it. Listening is learning.

What is in your current CD collection?
I have a variety of music. Each band brings a different vibe and each genre brings a different feel. At the moment I am listening to a lot of Alice in Chains, Fleetwood Mac, A Perfect Circle and Pink Floyd.

How do you believe Heathen Eyes' fit into the NZ music industry?
I'm not interested in forcing our music on people, but if New Zealanders are listening, then I'd say HE fits into the New Zealand music industry.

What is the best gig you've played and why?
They are all in someway equal. Each gig brings new experiences, whether that be playing to an audience of 5 or 5000 people.

Jason McIver (guitar, vocals)

What is the best thing about being a musician
It's hard to say, I love performing and being creative but it's not the easiest thing to persue full time so it just comes down to enjoyment and goal setting for me and the search for the sound thats in my head.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Stick to what you believe in, the great bands/writers didn't compromise for labels or the public ~ I also think younger musicians should really study and pay attention to the importance of tone, amp settings and technique... tone is such a huge thing and can take years to find the tone you're totally happy with.

What is in your current CD collection?
The one and only album by Army of Anyone, Lana Del Ray ~ Born To Die ~ she has a great voice and something really drags me into her sad tracks, Smashing Pumpkins ~ Oceania, Nirvana ~Nevermind, the new Justin Townes Earl album and Pray for Villians by Devildriver ........ I have pretty mixed taste in music and love hooks!

How do you believe Heathen Eyes' fit into the NZ music industry?
I'm not sure where we sit... with the previous line up we played with a lot of great metal bands and rock bands as we mix it up a fair bit... there is a broad appeal and with the new members I feels it's a lot more refined than before and I'm not so afraid to expose myself as songwriter ~ it's ok to have radio friendly music!

What is the best gig you've played and why?
The "best" gig was when I was 16 opening for....... Zed...... in front of 2000 people in Nelson at Tahunanui beach ~ otherwise of recent years it was setting up/organizing and playing a show with Cripple Mr Onion and Mutangent at Galatos in 2011, we played well, there was a great turn out and the bands were fantastic. Hearing the crowd sing your lyrics is a fantastic feeling!

Heathen Eyes are Jason McIver (guitar, vocals), Karyn Ayria (bass) and Chris Birch (drums).

Website Links

Muzic.net.nz Page
Reverbnation Page
Facebook Page
Bandcamp Page

Ocea Single Review

Both Sides of the Line are a five piece band from Dunedin. They have an exuberant, upbeat guitar-based sound with male and female harmonies. They answered the following questions for muzic.net.nz:

What inspired you to start Both Sides of the Line?
Songwriters, John and Glenda had so many songs composed and home-recorded, they thought it was time to get more people involved to play them and present them to an audience.

How did you come up with the name Both Sides of the Line?
Both Sides of the Line is a song title sung by rockabilly singer, Wanda Jackson. It  encapsulates the dualities of the band – rock and pop; acoustic and electric; light and dark, old yet fresh, etc.

What can you never leave home without?
iPod; house keys, wallet.

What is the best gig you have ever performed at and why?
We played three gigs for the Rugby World Cup in September last year on the back of trucks to rugby fans walking to the games at the stadium. Some exuberant Argentinians climbed on board our truck, grabbed the mic and started rabble-rousing. We got paid enough to start recording our first EP which we have just launched this month. (Another “best” gig – our EP launch party!)

Who are your favourite NZ musicians and why?
The Eastern and The Harbour Union from Lyttleton -dynamic and hard-working; Delgirl for their onstage banter; Donna Dean for her thoughtful lyrics; Gin Wigmore for pure raunch from one so slight; Flight of the Conchords – if you aren’t laughing the music is still great.

and many more…

What can we expect to see from Both Sides of the Line over the next year?
More song-writing. More recording, either single tracks for bandcamp or a full CD. And more gigs – please ask us!

Both Sides of the Line is John Sule (guitar), Glenda Rogers (vocals), Phil Glassey (guitar), Paul Freeland (bass) and Ruth Wheeler (drums).

Website Links

Muzic.net.nz Page
Bandcamp Page
MySpace Page
Facebook Page

Rhiain and the Utter Strangers is the moniker of Wellington based anti-folk songstress Rhiain McGrath. Her first EP Heartplusmelody released on 24th August 2012 is a lyric-heavy ode to childhood, recorded with long-time musical collaborator Oli Wilson (of Knives at Noon, The Chills).

Her music draws influence from contemporary folk luminaries Joanna Newsom, Fiona Apple, and Laura Marling. Rhiain says "the music is not about doing something pretty, I use my voice to portray emotions in a way that is honest and has integrity". Rhiain answered the following questions for muzic.net.nz:

How did you come up with the name Rhiain and the Utter Strangers?
The name Rhiain and the Utter Strangers is pretty literal actually. I had been working on some demos with my friend Oli Wilson [Knives at Noon, The Chills] and we decided to record an EP. We recorded the EP in Dunedin, where Oli lives, and essentially over the course of a couple of days various musicians through various connections Oli had, ended up coming down to the studio and adding there musical perspective to the recording. The fun and interesting part was that I had never met any of them before. They were all incredibly talented and incredibly generous with their time and skills and really, the EP became so much beyond me, it became an us. Initially I was planning on releasing the EP just under my name as a solo musician, but It all happened very naturally and now I can’t imagine it any other way.

How would you describe Rhiain and the Utter Strangers’ music?
I guess I would say it is a little bit folk pop with a theatrical influence. It's lyric heavy and full of mood. I tend to like extremes, so usually one part of a song will be sweet and lush and then the next will be loud and clangy. And I think that sums up my personality as well.

What can we expect to see from Rhiain and the Utter Strangers over the next year?
We are hopeful for a few things really. We’re trying to get our hands in as many creative pies as possible. We have already begun writing for a new EP. We are currently working with some film savvy friends to get some video clips made. But most of all we really want to establish ourselves as a live act so hopefully you will see and hear us around a lot. 

What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Fuck dreaming, make plans.

How do you come up with your lyrics?
It's different every time actually, no real method in place. Sometimes I will sit down with pen in hand and spend hours crafting away the lyrics with a specific idea in mind. However, alot of the time I will just sing, without any real thought at all, just to begin creating a melody or what not, and the words will just appear on my tongue. In those moments, I think whatever is floating around inside me just comes out without me even trying. Sometimes, as I am drifting off to sleep a line will just come to me, or even just a few words.  

Who would you most like to support live?
Gosh, the list is endless! Last year I went and saw Sufjan Stevens (which was literally the best gig I have even seen, FYI) but I was green with envy of Renee-Louise Carafice who opened for him. So green I was worried I was turning into the female version of the hulk, or shall we say, she-ulk. But then again, I was that envious of his backup vocalists. I’d kill to do backup vocals for him. Literally. Well figuratively literally. But honestly, at the moment I am keen to play with whoever, whenever I can.

How do you believe Rhiain and the Utter Strangers fit into the NZ music industry?
To be honest, I’m not sure that it does ‘fit’.  But I think that is the beauty, or what should be the beauty of the New Zealand music industry. I think we kiwis are a creative and open minded folk especially when it comes to music and whether it be due to the smallness of our country or our enduring suffering of the tall poppy syndrome, but I think we tend to like what we like regardless of its commercial success. In fact I don’t think “commercial success” is even on the periphery of most musicians in New Zealand, well, certainly not mine. And I think that is what is great about New Zealand, we have the ability to be independent artists making music because we love it and I think people respond to that, regardless of what genre you fit or do not fit into.

What is your favourite NZ venue?
I think I am a bit spoilt for choice living in Wellington. I have to say though, I have always loved the Opera House.  I have never played there, but I would love to be able to. The atmosphere in that place is so alive. It's massive, yet intimate. I’ve never seen a bad gig there.

What is the best part of being a musician?
For me, finishing a song, singing it to myself at the top of my lungs and feeling like I’ve just articulated something I wasn’t able to say before is what I love dearly about making music. Also, there is that moment just after you have played a gig. Whilst ideally the whole process is fun and enjoyable, often for me it isn’t. Especially leading up to a gig I am so ill with nerves that I forget why I am putting myself through such pain. But after the show I remember.  And I feel alive.

What is in your CD collection at home?
I have quite a lot of music and quite a diverse range. My melancholic mood is a huge dictator of what I listen to.  Often upcoming shows will determine my playlist so this year has featured a lot of Beirut, St Vincent, Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes. Then there are my comfort artists; Joanna Newsom, Sufjan Stevens, Laura Marling, Ryan Adams. The last album I purchased was Dead Man’s Bones. But I must confess, there is always room in my life for the likes of Justin Timberlake and everything Glee.

What is your favourite place in NZ to be?
For me it’s always about the people. Places are far more magical when you are with magical people. Obviously I love Wellington, I mean, you gots to have love if you choose to endure Wellington winters. But I also have a fondness for Whangarei, the Coromandel, and the west coast of the South Island. I’m actually a huge fan of New Zealand. We have such a fantastic country and I am always reminded of this when overseas friends come here for a roady.

What can you never leave home without?
Aye me, my bag is always full to the brim! Usually I will always have one or two notebooks with a handful of pens, my iPad, headphones, wallet, a few shades of lipstick, a pocket torch, a scarf and a guitar tuner and capo.

Website Links

Muzic.net.nz Page
Bandcamp Page
Amplifier Page
Facebook Page

Smokefreerockquest 2012 national finalists announced

New Zealand’s eight top high school bands have been selected to play off in this year’s Smokefreerockquest national final at Founders Theatre in Hamilton on September 22.

The selection was made from the videos sent in by the top 20 bands (announced last week) by judges Petrina George from APRA, Jeff Newton from NZ on Air and Jaden Parkes from Sony Music.

The judges said the standard was high, and while they were unanimous about the top five, it was harder to decide who should take the last three places.

The National Finalists are

Luke and Amberly, Kamo High School, Whangarei

Indi, ACG Senior College, Auckland

Intone, Glendowie College,Auckland

Sunday Best, St. Peter’s School, Cambridge

Noriac, Francis Douglas Memorial College, New Plymouth (photo)

A Bit Nigel, Taupo-Nui-A-Tia College, Taupo

Culture Kids, Wanganui High School & Wanganui City College

New Vinyl, Nelson College

Full Article

Going Global Artist Showcases

Appearing at Mighty Mighty, 104 Cuba St (free entry, 1^st band 7pm):

Name UL
Matt Langley
The Eversons
Disasteradio
The All Seeing Hand

Appearing at San Francisco Bath House, 171 Cuba St (free entry, 1^st band 7.30pm)

The Velvet Regime
Family Cactus
Sunken Seas
The Golden Awesome
Mountaineater (Dun)

Appearing at Galatos Downstairs (Jagermeister stage), 17 Galatos St, Newton (free entry, 1^st band 7pm)

Two Cartoons (Dun)
Tom Lark
The Wyld
Glass Owls
Arc Of Ascent (Ham)

Appearing at Galatos Upstairs, 17 Galatos St, Newton (free entry, 1^st band 7.30pm)

Five Mile Town
Clap Clap Riot
She's So Rad
Artisan Guns
Von Voin Strum (Chch)

Appearing at Dux Live, 363 Lincoln Rd (free entry, 1^st band 7pm)

The Tiny Lies
Mel Parsons
Ashei
House Of Mountain
Ipswich

Full Article

National Country Music Awards Winners!

Aly Cook, Trevor V Stevens, The Heartleys, Jody Direen and Kiwi legend Peter Posa took home the awards for this year’s National Country Music Awards (NCMA) held at Founders Theatre in Hamilton on Saturday night, 11^th August.

The winners are:

Best Female - Aly Cook

Best Male - Trevor V Stevens

Best Duo/Group - The Heartleys

The Horizon winner - Jody Direen

Legend Award - Peter Posa

Full Article

New Releases, Tour and Gig Announcements

The Unfaithful Ways Release "29 days" Music Video

Little Lapin Sheds 'Silent Tears'

@Peace Headline Young, Gifted & Broke Showcase

Rhiain and the Utter Strangers Release Heartplusmelody: A Sweeping Ode to Childhood

Coach Put Down Roots With 'Family Tree'

The Datsuns Deliver Their Death Rattle Boogie on 10 Year Anniversary

The Sweet Sounds of Sugarlicks Return with Seva Hi-Fi

The Concert First Line-up Announcement

I Am Giant return to NZ for one show only!

Clap Clap Riot announce nationwide tour

Jay Sean I'm All Yours Tour 2012

More Acts Announced For Raggamuffin Samoa

Grimes NZ Tour

Linkin Park 'Living Things' NZ Concert Announced

Tainted to tour NZ!

Robyn NZ Tour

Other NZ Music News
Gig and Tour News
Artist News

New Artists

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

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

Reviews

Check out our latest reviews at the links below:

AMACHINE - Abrasive Absurd EP Review

Bloodsport – Blackest Darkness Album Review

Swiss - Mr Slow Wind EP Review

Heathen Eyes - Ocea single review

Stray Theories - Even Though We Sleep Album Review

Nightchoir - See The First Star Album Review

Sola Rosa - Low and Behold, High and Beyond 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 newsletteris going out on Sunday 9 September!

Feature space is available in our newsletters from 9 September!

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 7910 members!
With this number growing every day, featuring in our newsletter is an excellent promotional tool.

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 Sunday 2 September.

- The muzic.net.nz team

• 1
  Head Like A Hole
• 2
  Fraser Ross
• 3
  Horror Story
• 4
  Fur Patrol
• 5
  Michelle Rounds
• 6
  L.A.B.
• 7
  Devilskin
• 8
  Coridian
• 9
  The Boondocks
• 10
  Late to Chelsea

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

• 1
  APT.
  ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
• 2
  DIE WITH A SMILE
  Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
• 3
  BIRDS OF A FEATHER
  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
  Teddy Swims
• 9
  A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
  Shaboozey
• 10
  GOOD LUCK, BABE!
  Chappell Roan

• Privacy Policy
• Disclaimer
• Copyright Statement

• Contact
• Advertising
• About Us