Welcome to July everyone!
In this month's newsletter we take at look at catchy hard-hitters, Medusa Glare and find out why they're Hamilton's next biggest rock export. Elsewhere, we find out about Palmerston North's, Turbostill, and their latest EP release.
If you're from Hamilton, you might be familiar with Kenny Rooster and Caveman Events. Kenny started Caveman Events just over a year ago and they're starting to make a big name for themselves in a short space of time in music event management, you can read all about it here.
We take a look back at one of NZ's most iconic reggae band, Salmonella Dub in our Where Are They Now feature and take a look at newcomer Hip Hop artist, Rei.
- Kerry and the Muzic.net.nz team
Formed in 1991 in Christchurch NZ, Salmonella Dub have rightfully been called the pioneers and originators of a unique Pacific style of dub/drum n bass/reggae/hip-hop and groove based rock.
Acts such as Fat Freddy’s Drop, Scribe and P-Money, Shapeshifter, Cornerstone Roots, Kora, King Kapisi as well as the new wave of Australian acts like Budspells, Rastawookie, King Tide, Red Eyes and the likes, can all thank Salmonella Dub for paving the way to opening Australasian ears to an alternative music scene that was largely house-influenced dance music or straight guitar rock.
(EMI Music) The group worked for some time with MC Tiki Taane, who embarked on a solo career in 2007 after developing a profile with the band.
Other guest or collaborative artists have included Paddy Free who produced the most recent album release Freak Controller and performed with the band; and guests Whirimako Black, Hirini Melbourne, Richard Nunns and MC Mana. The band has also collaborated with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Hamish McKietch.
Current members of Salmonella Dub include Andrew Penman (guitar, keyboards), David Deakins (vocals, drums), Mark Tyler (bass) and Pete (trumpet, trombone).
Andrew Penman has been the co-promoter for the Kaikoura Roots Festival and Mark Tyler has worked with Reb Fountain and The Nomad.
Former frontman and sound engineer, Tiki Taane (pictured) played his final gig with Salmonella Dub on New Years Eve 2006. His decision to pursue a solo career and set up his own production company Tikidub Productions in May 2006, was a move vital to the future development of Aotearoa-made music. Today, Tiki continues to write, produce and release solo material.
Muzic.net.nz Page
Official Website
Amplifier Page
Facebook Page
Medusa Glare was formed in 2014 by 8-Forty-8 guitarist Simon Koretz and former 8-Forty-8 drummer Rick Walker (1990 – 1998).
The two recorded and released their debut single and video No Tomorrow in April 2014. The intention was to source a frontman and bass player, and a month or so later they teamed up with World War Four bassist Nathan Waters and lead singer Jason Galu completing the line-up. Combining contemporary elements with hard hitting old school rock, they deliver the perfect blend of groove and melody. Catchy hooks, driving rhythms and killer riffs are plentiful in their repertoire. They had this to say:
Our music can be described as groove based, riff rock with blues and funk influences. We’re currently writing new tracks, recording demos and honing the songs in the rehearsal room. It’s a lot of hard work but also loads of fun. We’re all getting a kick out of forging our sound and creating new sonic landscapes. We’re about to book some studio time to record our next single and then shoot the video. Our goal over the next year is to keep writing, with the intention of releasing our debut EP or even full length album. The four of us have only been together for a year, and already have ten complete songs in the bag, so things are moving along nicely. We’ve had a handful of great gigs too, the highlight so far being The Gemini Party in Hamilton, sharing the bill with NZ rock icons Knightshade and The Gorse Monkeys (Devilskin’s alias for the night.) We’re very keen to get more gigs under our belts, so always on the lookout for suitable support slots and gigs where we can show our wares.
Medusa Glare is Simon Koretz (guitar), Rick Walker (drums), Jason Galu (vocals) and Nathan Waters (bass).
Turbostill are releasing their latest EP on Friday the 17th July at The Willow Park Tavern on Tremaine Ave, Palmerston North with support from Palmy bands Diamond Sutra, All The Wrong Reasons and New Plymouth's Slotcar.
The EP is the band's sixth release. In 2001 they put forth their debut, Ohakune Carrot, followed by 2003's Distilled album. In 2009 came their third effort, Liquid Rock n' Roll, and in 2011-10 Turbostill released a best of album. In recent years, they have released a 7 inch 4 track Vinyl in 2012 and the latest Red River 3 track EP this year.
Turbostill formed late in 2000 and played their first show at guitarist/vocalist Kristov's 21st in February 2001. Markham plays drums/vocals and Murray plays bass/vocals. They play heavy rock n' roll. Since 2001 they've played all around NZ and also in Melbourne in 2009. They have also released two videos for the songs Roll Me Another and Liquid Death which were both on our 7 inch vinyl. Kristov and Murray also play in Heavy Groovy Metal band Government Pest while Markham also plays in the jam band Oosh.
Turbostill is Kristov Raven (vocals, guitar), Murray Shaw (vocals, bass) and Markham Wightman (drums).
Muzic.net.nz Page
Amplifier Page
Facebook Page
Record Company Website
EP Release Show FaceBook Event Page
Roll Me Another video
Liquid Death video
Rei, a.k.a Callum McDougall is a 21-year-old hip-hop artist from Wellington. Funnily enough, Rei fell in love with singing, rapping and producing during his 5 years in the Wellington College Chorale. This choirboy-turned-rapper has just finished his degree in Marketing and Te Reo Maori at Victoria University. His music is strongly influenced by his bicultural identity, being a New Zealander of Pākeha (European) and Māori descent. He aims to create a global hip-hop sound, which exhibits his South Pacific background and also transcends cultural barriers. The Māori concept of rangatiratanga (sovereignty or chieftainship) is a common theme throughout his music. This is represented through his Huia feather logo, which is a Māori symbol of mana (prestige) and rangatiratanga. His debut album C.H.I.E.F was released in April 2015.
Rei says about his musical purpose, ‘I want people to know that they can be chiefs in their own environments, no matter who they are or where they come from. Hopefully my music can help them understand that’.
With this combination of raw talent, ambition and musical purpose, Rei could definitely be the next big artist to come out of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Official Website
Facebook Page
Soundcloud Page
Instagram Page
Twitter Page
Bandcamp Page
YouTube Page
Putting together 37 shows in just 10 months has been a baptism of fire for new event management group Caveman Events. Having showcased the talents of more than 45 Kiwi bands, through shows at 16 different venues around the North Island, Caveman Events specialises in helping up and coming bands play in new towns, to new audiences.
Caveman Events is based in Hamilton, and was formed just over a year ago by directors Kenny Rooster and his wife Andrea, along with sound engineer and technical adviser Daniel Hawkins. Having spent 10 years working as road crew for Paul Martin with his band World War Four, and a short time with new project Devilskin as they were getting established, Kenny was keen to remain involved in the live music scene.
“With Devilskin getting busier, it was inevitable that World War Four would take a back seat. I wanted to stay involved with live music production, and through my time working with Paul I’d gotten to know a number of bands, plus venue and bar owners. I decided to use these contacts to help other bands.” The catalyst to start their own touring and event operation came after long time friend and Team Kill bass player Phil Smathers brought over a copy of the new Team Kill EP Age of Disease. “We started talking about how to get the EP heard around the country, touring it live, and what that would involve…. things just kinda spiralled from there really.” Since then, Team Kill have played almost 30 shows, and the EP Age of Disease has been snapped up at shows from Whangarei to Nelson, as well as receiving regular airplay on the Axe Attack metal show
Caveman Events has a number of shows lined up for later this year, and are looking forward to a busy next 12 months. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for all the latest information about what they’re up to, and for links to the incredible bands that they are working with.
Caveman Events Facebook Page
The Axe Attack Facebook Page
Independent Music New Zealand is proud to announce that the GOING GLOBAL MUSIC SUMMIT 2015 will be held in Auckland this September – the dates are listed below.
Performing Artist applications are now open at http://www.goingglobal.co.nz/ and will close Monday, August 10th 2015.
With another great list of international speakers currently being booked, and continued success being reported from previous attendees, GOING GLOBAL MUSIC SUMMIT 2015 continues to provide global business opportunities, showcases and educational awareness within the New Zealand music community.
Entries to the Ding Dong Lounge Bands Competition are now officially open to local bands and artists in Auckland and will take place from Friday 7 August to Saturday 5 September.
There are a tonne of prizes to be won including the recording & mastering of a single at Depot Sound Recording Studios in Devonport with Tui award winning engineer Dave Rhodes, gig promotion through Phantom Billstickers plus cash prizes.
For more information and entry forms, visit http://www.dingdongloungenz.com/ or ask for the bar for more details.
This year the APRA Silver Scroll Award celebrates its 50th anniversary. The prestigious songwriting award was first presented in 1965, the same year that the Wellington to Auckland express was hauled by steam locomotives for the last time, seatbelts became compulsory for all new cars and New Zealand’s population of 2.6 million was guided by Prime Minister Keith Holyoake.
Since 1965 the APRA Silver Scroll Award has graced the mantle pieces of some of New Zealand’s most well-loved songwriters, including Ray Columbus, Sharon O’Neill, Dave Dobbyn, Neil Finn, Bic Runga, Ella Yelich O’Connor (Lorde) & Joel Little, and last year’s winners Joshua and Tami Neilson.
“For the last 50 years, the APRA Silver Scroll Award has provided a centrepiece for the New Zealand music industry. It has recognised the hard work, genius and magic of some of New Zealand’s most loved songwriters and their songs - songs that are now woven into the fabric of New Zealand life and culture. We are extremely proud to be celebrating New Zealand music for the 50th year.” says APRA AMCOS’ Anthony Healey
The 50th APRA Silver Scroll Award will be presented at the APRA Silver Scroll Awards on Thursday 17th September at Vector Arena in Auckland.
Industry veterans Cydel lead the winners list at the 11th annual Vodafone Pacific Music Awards taking home three awards.
Cydel –aka Pele Nili and Dee Letoa – have won the Nui FM Best Pacific Artist, Radio 531pi Best Pacific Group and Recorded Music NZ Best Pacific Music Album. The awards are in recognition of their second album Memoirs of a Midnight Cowboy. The Auckland duo took home its first Pacific Music Award in 2008.
Smashproof’s socially poignant song Survivors (featuring Pieter T) sees the trio take out the coveted APRA Best Pacific Song award, along with NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video, which was directed by Chris Graham. Tyree, Deach and Sid first enjoyed success when their debut single Brother topped the NZ Official Top 40 Charts in 2009.
TJ Taotua picks up his first two Vodafone Pacific Music Awards for NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist and Best Pacific Gospel Artist. TJ has extensive experience performing with some of New Zealand’s top artists such as Aaradnha, Nesian Mystik and Katchafire - skills that shone during his well-received performance at the awards.
Virgin Australia Best Pacific Female Artist goes to Auckland’s North Shore soul singer Erakahfor her E.P Organised Chaos. Erakah wrote and co-produced the pre-production of her EP last year, all while touring with Six60 and Stan Walker, including opening for Beyoncé. She also recently launched the ‘Yana Girls Movement’ supporting young girls in Fijian villages.
July 10 2015 sees the introduction of “New Music Fridays”, an aligned global release day for new music being introduced in more than 45 recorded music markets worldwide.
New Zealand moved to releasing new music and publishing the NZ Top 40 Music Charts on a Friday each week during March 2013. However, around the world music has continued to be released on different days of the week in various countries. This has ranged from Monday releases in markets such as France and the UK, Tuesday in the US and Canada and Friday in markets such as New Zealand, Australia and Germany.
That changes on July 10 when new music is being released on a Friday at 00:01 local time around the world.
The Heathen Collective with Gunt, D.I.C and Winterborn
Friday 31 July @ Valhalla, Wellington
Saturday 1 August @ King Street Live, Masterton
Friday 7 August @ Alt. Entertainment Bureau, Levin
Saturday 8 August @ The Royal, Palmerston North
Friday 14 August @ Riverside, Wanganui
Saturday 15 August @ Mayfair, New Plymouth
Friday 21 August @ Cabana, Napier
Saturday 22 August @ Crates n Cues, Rotorua
Friday 28 August @ Krazy Jacks, Tauranga
Saturday 29 August @ Whammy Bar, Auckland
Neil Finn
Saturday 18 July @ Auckland Town Hall, Auckland
Hermitude
Thursday 9 July @ University of Otago, Dunedin
Friday 10 July @ James Cabaret, Wellington
Saturday 11 July @ The Studio, Auckland
Wellington Sea Shanty Society
Sunday 5 July @ Freida Margolis, Auckland
Wednesday 8 July @ Interislander Ferry, Cook Strait
Wednesday 8 July @ Moutere Inn, Nelson
Thursday 9 July @ Port Hole Bar, Lyttelton
Friday 10 July @ Hilltop Tavern, Banks Peninsula
Saturday 11 July @ Dog With Two Tails, Dunedin
Sunday 12 July @ The Sherwood, Queenstown
Tuesday 14 July @ Interislander Ferry, Cook Strait
Racing
Friday 10 July @ Space Monster, Wanganui
Saturday 11 July @ Mayfair, New Plymouth
Friday 17 July @ Cabana, Napier
Friday 14 August @ Kings Arms, Auckland
Head Like A Hole with 8 Foot Sativa
Wednesday 22 July @ King St Live, Masterton
Thursday 23 July @ The Royal, Palmerston North
Friday 24 July @ The Mayfair, New Plymouth
Saturday 25 July @ Brewers Bar, Tauranga
Thursday 30 July @ Star & Garter, Nelson
Friday 31 July @ 10 Bar, Dunedin
Saturday 1 August @ Allen St Rock Bar, Christchurch
Thursday 6 August @ San Fran, Wellington
Friday 7 August @ Altitude, Hamilton
Saturday 8 August @ The Studio, Auckland
New Gum Sarn
Friday 17 July @ The Darkroom, Christchurch
Saturday 18 July @ The Sherwood, Queenstown
Thursday 23 July @ Chicks Hotel, Port Chalmers
Friday 24 July @ Eyegum Music Collective, Wellington
Saturday 25 July @ Moon, Wellington
Saturday 1 August @ The Wine Cellar, Auckland
AHoriBuzz
Thursday 16 July @ Bullock Bar, Wanaka
Friday 17 July @ Barluca, Invercargill
Saturday 18 July @ Loco Cantina, Queenstown
Sunday 19 July @ Chicks Hotel, Dunedin
Thursday 23 July @ Dragon's Den, Christchurch
Friday 24 July @ Dragon's Den, Christchurch
Saturday 25 July @ Hilltop Tavern, Akaroa
I Am Giant
Thursday 23 July @ ReFuel, Dunedin
Friday 24 July @ The Bedford CPSA, Christchurch
Saturday 25 July @ Bodega, Wellington
Thursday 30 July @ The Mayfair, New Plymouth
Friday 31 July @ Altitude, Hamilton
Saturday 1 August @ The Powerstation, Auckland
SNFU
Friday 21 August @ Valhalla, Wellington
Saturday 22 August @ Whammy Bar, Auckland
Darren Watson and Matt Langley
Sunday 5 July @ The Common Room, Hastings
Thursday 9 July @ The Rogue and Vagabond, Wellington
Friday 10 July @ Playhouse Café and Theatre, Nelson
Saturday 11 July @ Wunderbar, Lyttelton
Thursday 16 July @ Carey's Bay Hotel, Dunedin
Friday 17 July @ Taste Merchants, Dunedin
Saturday 18 July @ Cheeky Llama Café, Invercargill
Love Yr Bros
Friday July 10 @ Mauao P.A.C, Tauranga
Saturday July 11 @ Valhalla, Wellington
Friday July 17 @ Whammy Bar, Auckland
Thursday July 23 @ The Darkroom, Christchurch
Saturday July 25 @ Chicks Hotel, Dunedin
Friday July 31 @ Lucha Lounge, Auckland
Saturday August 1 @ Eyegum, Wellington
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Friday 31 July @ The Powerstation, Auckland
Saturday 1 August @ Bodega, Wellington
Sunday 2 August @ Allen St Rock Club, Christchurch
Tuesday 4 August @ Chicks Hotel, Dunedin
Wedidit with Shlohmo, Purple, D33J and Nick Melons
Thursday 23 July @ Kings Arms, Auckland
Friday 24 July @ Bodega, Wellington
Good Riddance with Out Cold A.D.
Wednesday 5 August @ San Fran, Wellington
Thursday 6 August @ Galatos, Auckland
The Chills
Friday 10 July @ Chicks Hotel, Dunedin
Sunday 12 July @ Dux Live, Christchurch
A Skylit Drive
Friday 21 August @ Kings Arms, Auckland
Saturday 22 August @ Bodega, Wellington
Sunday 23 August @ Allen St. Rock Club, Christchurch
---
You can read all the latest NZ music news here.
Do you love listening to music? Do you enjoy going to gigs? Maybe you get a buzz out of discovering new music and telling everyone about it, or perhaps you'd like to meet some of the incredible musicians that NZ has on offer?
If any of these apply to you, we want you to join our team!
Muzic.net.nz are looking for people who are lovers of music to join our team as reviewers, interviewers and photographers. The criteria is simple - you must be computer literate, a 'people person', and able to meet due dates.
Anyone, from anywhere in NZ, will be considered - especially if you are a musician yourself. We'll even consider anyone in Australia who is able to attend gigs by NZ musicians and bands.
If you think you are the best person for us, we'd love to hear from you! Email [email protected] today - we'll look forward to hearing from you.
The following musicians and bands have been added to the muzic.net.nz website in the past month:
It's free to add yourself or your band to muzic.net.nz:
Add Artist Form
Info about filling out the add artist form
Check out our latest reviews at the links below:
Album Review: Gatherer - Heavy Hail
Written by Kerry
Album Review: Tapri - Good Mama
Written by Andrew
Gig
Review: Brooke Fraser @ Wellington Opera House - 26/06/2015
Written by Tony
EP Review: Janine
and the Mixtape - XX
Written by Emma
Single Review: Psyrok - Only Yesterday
Written by James
Review: The
Pacific Music Awards 2015
Written by James
EP Review: Mucus Kids - Mosh 4 Jesus
Written by Kerry
EP Review: Dead Teach the Living - The Crowning
Written by Aaron
Album Review: Cairo Knife Fight - The Colossus
Written by Alistar
Album Review: Ahjay Stelino - Music Therapy Songs for Special Kids
Written by Lou
EP Review: Tihei - For The Fans
Written by James
Album Review: Elliot Brown - Jingles 4
Written by Andrew
Album
Review: T.13 - Good Things Take Time
Written by James
Album
Review: Off The Radar Compilation Vol. 1
Written by Peter
---
All of our reviews can be read here.
Email [email protected] if you would like us to review your music.
Our photographers (especially Lou!) have been super busy taking some fantastic photos for muzic.net.nz during June. Check out our latest photos at the links below:
Average Mars Experience
Helgorithms
Bloodnut
Greenfog
Lord of Solitude
Skinny Hobos
Quinn The Human Gallery #1
Quinn The Human Gallery #2
Barefoot
Primacy
Love Of Chaos
Meridian Vibe
Armed in Advance
Setting Fire To Stacey
In Dread Response
SansArcade
Photos by Lou
Brooke Fraser
Photos by Dominic
Marlon Williams with Laura Jean
Photos by Amanda
---
All of our photo galleries can all be viewed here.
Email [email protected] if you would like us to photograph you.
---
All muzic.net.nz tour features can be viewed here
Email [email protected] if you would like us to create a tour feature for you.
The next muzic.net.nz newsletter is going out on Sunday 2 August 2015.
If you are a NZ musician and you would like to promote your music,
we would love to feature you in this newsletter
and you can choose the date which suits you
We can also feature record labels, venues, music stores, music websites...
anything that has something to do with NZ music
Email [email protected] for more information about our newsletters
Muzic.net.nz newsletters are currently sent out to over 8770 members
with this number growing every day, featuring in our newsletter is an excellent promotional tool
Access our newsletter archives and see all our previous newsletters
- The muzic.net.nz team