Hi everyone,

Welcome to September's newsletter!

I swear time goes a lot faster than it should sometimes. It only feels like last week that our last newsletter went out, and here we are again! There has been a lot of sunshine around lately, so that can only mean Spring is on the horizon, or, the last of winter is just teasing us!

We have a real juicy one of you guys this month. One of NZ's most loved metal radio show, The Axe Attack, hosted by our favourite Kiwi Metal Axeman himself, Paul Martin, recently celebrated its 30 year anniversary, which makes it New Zealand's longest running specialist music show! This is a huge achievement, and if you're a fan like me, you'll be pretty stoked too. Congrats to Paul and everyone behind the scenes that continue to showcase the kick ass metal scene of NZ and remind us how special metal music is.

Continuing on the theme of special things, we have some great features and interviews too. We have a chat to the men behind Wellington band, Sea Mouse and find out about Hardcore/Punk enthusiasts, Starving Millions, following the release of their new EP V. We also talk to Alexander Hallag of The Music is Talking.

Finishing up with all the latest news and views, this newsletter is a brilliant way to welcome in the coming Spring!

- Kerry and the muzic.net.nz team.

August 18 marked the 30^th anniversary of New Zealand's longest running specialist music show.

The Axe Attack, a show dedicated to heavy metal and hard rock music, has become a household name for fans over its three decades of promoting the music that many people are afraid of.

To commemorate the occasion, host Paul Martin has a month’s worth of giveaways to dish out. “I'll be celebrating the international and local artists that have had an impact on the show from its conception in 1987, as well the new breed from 2017. There will be listener requests, Kiwi content and I'll have some great giveaways over the next four weeks including limited edition The Axe Attack t-shirts."

The show became a 24/7 stream on iHeartRadio in 2015 after being heard on different stations, and features a fresh show each week. Listeners can tune in anytime to listen on demand for their heavy metal fix. 

David Brice, iHeartRadio New Zealand Content Director, says the success of The Axe Attack is down to Paul finding his niche in the music landscape but having the ability to keep the show fresh. “Releasing a new show every week shows Paul’s commitment to and expertise in the genre. Couple this with a platform that allows the freedom to play one style of music on a stream, and you have the beauty of iHeartRadio; there is something to suit everyone’s tastes.”

Martin says, “It's testament to the quality of the music, that the show has been around for so long. People who are into rock and metal aren't usually the fad-following types, who flit from genre to genre, trying to find their identity. People that loved Sabbath, Purple and Zeppelin 40 years ago are still into it. You can't ‘grow out’ of quality music. Every Halloween I host a Black Sabbath marathon called ‘Sabbathon’ that has turned into the biggest show of the year for The Axe Attack.”

“I get messages and calls from all sorts; from lawyers, accountants, farmers and bankers; from 70 year olds through to nine year olds. The music speaks to them all. It's hugely satisfying introducing new bands to my audience.“

A huge emphasis on New Zealand artists has made a significant difference to the local metal scene, with the show making a commitment to play at least 33% Kiwi artists.

“New Zealand has so much talent in this wide and wonderful genre and there’s slim chance of them ever getting on air on mainstream radio. I’ve taken it on as my personal responsibility to encourage these bands and get their music out to as many people as I can.”

Paul Martin is a musician and songwriter who plays bass guitar in Devilskin, who are touring New Zealand in October, and plays lead guitar and sings in World War Four. Paul is also a devoted family man, teaches guitar and has qualifications in industrial radiography.

Follow The Axe Attack on Facebook.

Q: Let’s start off by talking about the man behind Sea Mouse, Seamus Johnson. You’ve been quite present in the Wellington live music scene over the last few years. What are some of the more notable groups that someone may recognise you from? 

A: Paperscissors, Elston Gun.

Q: You’ve also managed to gain the supporting slots to many international bands such as Black Rebel Motorcycle Club? 

A: Yeah. It’s funny who you end up playing for when you hang around a venue enough. Bodega was great for that. I was given the opportunities to play with some pretty awesome bands.

Q: So what motivated the formation of Sea Mouse? 

A: Kickin out the jams! It’s a bunch of songs that have been hanging about for a while that didn’t fit the other projects enough. It felt like it was time to get them out. And now writing more to follow.

Q: There is a growing trend of groups forming with fewer members, often put down to cheaper touring costs, less conflict with the direction of the music, and a generally cleaner sound. What made you decide to go with a three-piece? 

A: All those reasons in the question more or less. Paperscissors was a two piece I started because I got tired of band politics in Elston Gun. It’s just better. There’s so much more freedom and space as a two-piece, but there’s also a hole in that space. And you gotta fill it with bass.

Q: How would you describe your sound?

Alexander Hallag of The Music is Talking is an internationally published photographer originally from Seattle and New York City and who now resides in New Zealand, specifically Wellington and Palmerston North. Alexander has done a wide variety of photography and is probably best known for music photography and capturing live music performances in particular.  These days, Alexander is focused on capturing live performances as well as studio and promotional work for album covers.

He has photographed many international artists such as U2, Leonard Cohen, Black Sabbath, David Bowie, B.B King as well as many New Zealand artists such as The Black Seeds, Gin Wigmore, Lorde, Shihad, Six60, Tiki Taane, etc. His work has appeared in various publications such as The New York Times, Juxtapoz, Rip it Up, Red Bull Magazine, Groove Guide and NZ Musician to name a few. Alexander has recently self-published a 'Photo Book' called 'Shh The Music is Talking'.

Alexander has spent many hours in 'the pit' as it is called, at hundreds of live gigs, if not more. As a live music photographer myself, I have shared 'the pit' with Alexander at a number of shows in recent times. When I was a newbie live music photographer starting out, I posted in a Facebook group (HTBARP) that contains a large number live music photographers globally (including most, if not all of the New Zealand based folks) and I remember receiving a private message soon after from Alexander offering to help me out if there was anything I needed to know, which I thought was pretty decent of somebody to do, but at that time I wasn't aware of his background and extensive experience.

Anyway, on Sunday 30th July, I met with Alexander to conduct an informal interview (below) and to catch up in general over lunch in a pleasant Wellington eatery. This is something we don't generally get time to do when we are engaged in our craft. It was also a great opportunity for me to purchase his photo book, have it hand delivered and signed. :)

So, What attracted you to photography?

Perhaps not so much an attraction, but a friend of my mother's asked me to make movies, but to better understand direction he recommended that I shoot still images in order to see the affects and the concepts of lighting. I kind of fell into it by mistake, or as a by-product of a venture into videography.

So, do you still make movies?

No, not so much anymore, mostly just stills.

When you photograph a show, do you stay for the whole event? Or do you only stay for the usual first three songs?

That depends on a number of things... such as the shooting policy, whether I have a ticket or not, whether a ticket is required, the artist, publishing deadlines, etc. So, sometimes yes and other times no. There are many variables that influence that decision such as these and probably more.

What sort of equipment do you use? Do you have a go-to set-up?

As a Sony ambassador I shoot Sony gear exclusively. My typical gear setup is as follows

Primary

Sony Alpha A99 Mark 2 (full frame)
Sony Alpha A77 Mark 2 (crop sensor)

Secondary/Backup

Sony Alpha A99 Mark 1 (full frame)
Sony Alpha A900 (full frame)

Lenses

Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Sony 70-200mm f2.8 


What has been the most challenging aspect of being a music photographer?

Making great work. Making something special, something unique. Quality images is what we strive for, well it's what I strive for and so making something great, an image that people can look at and then get a sense of what was happening at that time, or something that portrays the emotion or effort, yeah. I guess in summary, I strive to make great unique images.

What is your greatest memory since becoming a photographer?

This is tough as there have been many. But if I were to choose one, I would have to say shooting at Madison Square Garden. It was a very memorable moment and one that I won't soon forget.

You’ve been able to photograph some amazing bands in your time, is there anyone you haven’t been able to shoot that you would drop everything to shoot?

I don't really have a bucket list, but I have been very fortunate to shot a number of great artists and some of them weren't necessarily great at the time but have since gone on to become great.

Do you find certain genres of music more exciting to photograph? How do the artists and crowds vary between music types, from a visual perspective?

Certain genres more exciting to photograph? Definitely!! *laughs* But I don't have a preference. The variation in terms of the artist' delivery and the crowd action is very broad even within the same genre of music.

The transition into digital SLR cameras (and also mirrorless) has meant that many people have been able to pick one up and call themselves a gig/concert photographer. What do you think it is that separates a professional (or experienced) photographer from an enthusiast?

Joe Average doesn't look at all the detail, mainly. They're just seeing "ROCKSTAR!" and click. Where as a pro-am photographer also sees rockstar yes, but they separate that from their goal of having to make a great image. So it doesn't necessarily matter who the artist is (for the moment) because they are there to make great images regardless of who the artist is. It generally isn't until after we shoot our 2-3 songs and leave the pit do we think 'OMG I just photographed rockstar x" or whoever.

What advice would you give someone who wants to become a music photographer

DO IT!! This is a journey. Appreciate the journey. It isn't going to be straight forward and there will be twists and turns along the way. Be open to shoot anything. Learn the craft. Learn it for low light, learn it for bright light, learn it for rain, learn it for all lighting conditions. Talk to others. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't think you know it all because none of us knows it all and we're constantly learning. Be respectful and manners will get you far.

How has social media affected you as a photographer?(good or badly) I imagine you get a greater reach, but it also becomes much harder to control unauthorised use of your product?

Good. More of a reach? yeah. That's one thing I do like, the reach and the ability to interact with people that we may never have otherwise without social media. There is a guy I chat with weekly in the UK and it's really neat to interact and share as we learn our craft. Similarly like what Matthias (Hombauer) has achieved in terms of starting up the HTBARP (How to be a Rockstar Photographer) community on Facebook which is magic. Social media has definitely helped in that way. As far as unauthorised use of media, yeah it happens and that's just part of the electronic age. If you don't want your images out there, then don't put them out *laughs* Sometimes I've had some band who haven't given me credit, sometimes I email them and sometimes I don't, sometimes they fix it and sometimes they don't. I suppose some time ago I would get bent outta shape about it, but to be honest, in my experience most people don't look at a watermark, no matter how nice it looks and then wonder if that photog did any more. It's the quality of the work that gets you the next job, usually. That said, it's always nice when an artist acknowledges you.

What made you decide to release a photo book, and what was the process of self-publishing your own book?

I was working in radio, playing all this cool music and I wanted to share it with friends back home (USA) and not just in an audio sense. So, I went to the bookshop and asked for a book on New Zealand music, so I could send back home, but I found nothing! I found some books with mostly text and some photos, but I didn't want to send a written thing, I wanted to send a picture book and couldn't find any. But, the thought to make one did not occur immediately. Some time later (in the shower) I thought, I used to shoot music, why don't I make a photo book? My first counter thought was that I hadn't shot in a long time (as I was on a hiatus at the time from shooting anything) but I had a 'burning bush' moment after listening to a podcast given to me by my flatmate at that time and in the podcast a photographer was saying 'if you like concert photography? go with that'.
Where and how can we get a hold of a copy?

Direct purchasing from here. There are approximately 30-40 copies left from the original 500 copies.

Alexander in Action
A week before I conducted this interview, Alexander and I happen to be shooting at the same gig. Here are a few images I specifically took of Alexander in action up close shooting Ciarann from Bakers Eddy:

- Announcing the Mt Maunganui RockFest -

The annual rock event for the Bay of Plenty, the RockFest, is taking place on Saturday 28th October, at the Totara St venue, Mt Maunganui.

Last year was a great success,and this year promises to be even bigger, with 8 rock / hard rock bands in total. 3 bands are travelling from Auckland, including Remote, Coridian and Play Big; 2 bands are from Hamilton, including Battlecat and Deathnir; and 3 local bands including The Carradines, The Eternal Sea and Apollo SteamTrain.

The event has been so popular in the local NZ Rock scene that the event’s promoter, Kingsley Smith, has regrettably had to turn away several bands.

Kingsley has 2 main mission goals for the RockFest: 1 goal is to raise money for the local Cancer Society, with all profits being donated; and the 2nd goal is to provide the local rock community with an event that goes off and draws a large crowd.

Full Article

- Finalists Announced for Maioha, SOUNZ and Screen Awards -
- 2017 APRA Silver Scroll Awards -

Some of New Zealand’s best songwriters and composers have been shortlisted for four prestigious awards to be presented at the 2017 APRA Silver Scroll Awards.

The APRA Maioha Award, the SOUNZ Contemporary Award, the APRA Best Original Music in a Feature Film Award and APRA Best Original Music in a Series Award will all be presented at an invite-only awards ceremony at the Dunedin Town Hall on Thursday, September 28.

APRA MAIOHA AWARD

2017 finalists:

Atua Whiowhio by Kingi Kiriona 
Raupatu by Alien Weaponry (Lewis de Jong, Henry de Jong, and Ethan Trembath)
Taku Mana by Maisey Rika

SOUNZ CONTEMPORARY AWARD

2017 finalists:

Incident Tableaux Part One by Chris Gendall 
Serendipity Fields by Jeroen Speak 
Tōrino - echoes on pūtōrino improvisations by Rob Thorne by Salina Fisher 

APRA BEST ORIGINAL MUSIC IN A FILM AWARD

2017 finalists:

Marc Chesterman for Spookers 
Peter Hobbs forJean 
Tim Prebble for One Thousand Ropes 

APRA BEST ORIGINAL MUSIC IN A SERIES AWARD

2017 finalists:

Claire Cowan for Hillary
Karl Steven for 800 Words
Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper for Terry Teo 

Full Article

- Top 5 finalists announced for 2017 APRA Silver Scroll Awards -

Five top acts have made the shortlist for the 2017 APRA Silver Scroll Award, recognising excellence in songwriting.

· Close Your Eyes by Bic Runga (written by Bic Runga and Kody Nielson).
· Green Light by Lorde (written by Ella Yelich O’Connor, Jack Antonoff, and Joel Little). Published by Native Tongue Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing Australia P/L, EMI Music Publishing Australia Pty Ltd.
· Horizon by Aldous Harding. Published by Native Tongue Music Publishing.
· Life of the Party by Chelsea Jade (written by Chelsea Jade Metcalf and Leroy Clampitt).
· Richard by Nadia Reid. Published by Kobalt Music Publishing.

The APRA Silver Scroll Awards is considered one of the most coveted awards in New Zealand music and has previously been awarded to artists such as Ray Columbus, Hammond Gamble, Shona Laing, Dave Dobbyn, Don McGlashan, Neil Finn, Chris Knox, Brooke Fraser, James Milne & Lukasz Buda, Alisa Xayalith & Thom Powers (The Naked And Famous), Tami Neilson, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Thomas Oliver.

Full Article

- 100 pianos to be donated to local schools -

Huawei New Zealand has announced that it will donate 100 Pianos to New Zealand primary schools in partnership with the Play it Strange Charitable trust.

Huawei’s 100 Pianos Project was unveiled at Rongomai School in Otara and will be open to schools nationwide between deciles 1-7. When Huawei’s founder and CEO, Mr Ren Zhengfei met with New Zealand Prime Minister, Bill English, in March he made the commitment as a core part of Huawei’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme in New Zealand.

Huawei New Zealand Director of Public Affairs, Andrew Bowater, says the 100 Piano’s Project was about inspiring the imaginations and creativity of young New Zealanders.

Full Article

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Soundsplash Releases First Lineup For 2018 Festival

- New Releases -

- September 2017 Gigs & Tours -

Local

International

 

New Artists

A stunning array of new artist pages were created during August - you can check them all out here:

Groove Lagoon	Vices
Faber	Daniel McClelland
The Van Grafs	Earth Tongue
Koizilla	Tongue Tied
Darkness Within	Strikemaster
Motorboat	The Carradines
Play Big	Scorn Of Creation
Hot Donnas	Alae
Half Eaten Pie	Deathnir
The Brian Hatcher Band	Dreams Are Like Water
Tidal Rave	New Age Leper

It is 100% FREE to add yourself or your band to muzic.net.nz, and you'll get free access to update your page, as well as access to add mp3 and photo galleries: 

Add Artist Form
Info about filling out the add artist form

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Useful Links

Muzic.net.nz - What we do for Musicians and Bands

Self-Promoting Gigs and Tours

Important 2017 Music Industry Dates

Muzic.net.nz - Promo Photos

FYI: TV & Radio Promotion

FYI: Promoters and Publicists

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New Reviews

Our reviewers have come across some incredible music in the past month - you can read all our latest reviews at the below links:

Mermaidens - Album Release: Perfect Body
Written by Corinne

Gig Review: Angelcorpse @ Whammy Bar, Auckland - 26/07/2017
Written by Matt M

Grayson Gilmour - Album Review: Otherness
Written by Corinne

SWIDT - Album Review: Stoneyhunga
Written by James C-K

Radio Therapy - EP Review: Ruby
Written by Kerry K

Groove Lagoon - EP Review: Extended Play
Written by Alex

Aaron Carpenter and The Revelators - Album Review: Pretty Lies
Written by Kerry M

Gig Review: Primacy, Remote & Pull Down the Sun @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 12/08/2017
Written by Sarah

Sons Of Zion - EP Release: The Jukebox Suite
Written by Corinne

Hangar 18 @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 11/08/2017
Written by Alex

Fallstate - Single Review: Live Forever or Die Trying
Written by Andrew

Gig Review: Slaves with Animal Party @ Kings Arms, Auckland - 17/08/2017
Written by Alex

Dead Favours - Single Review: High Flying
Written by Alex

Bill Direen and The Bilders - Album Review: Chrysanthemum Storm
Written by Peter

Gig Review: Auckland City Rockfest @ The Kings Arms Tavern, 19/08/2017
Written by Alex

Yumi Zouma - Single Review: Depths (Pt. 1)
Written by Corinne

Gig Review: Stone Sour with City of Souls @ Spark Arena, Auckland - 23/08/2017
Written by Alex

Openside - Single Review: I Feel Nothing
Written by Tony

Arrays - EP Review: Motives
Written by Jessie James

Ammp - EP Review: This Chaotic Symphony
Written by Kerry M

Gig Review: Northlane with Set On End @ Kings Arms Tavern, Auckland - 26/08/2017
Written by Alex

Cairo Knife Fight - Single Review: A-Eight
Written by Paul

Starving Millions - EP Review: V
Written by Matt M

The Brian Hatcher Band - Album Review: Trouble & Worry
Written by Corinne

Sea Mouse - Album Review: Sea Mouse
Written by Kerry M

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All of our reviews can be read here.
All our interviews can be read here.
Email [email protected] if you would like us to review your music.

New Photos

Our photographers have had a busy August, and the results are simply spectacular. Check out our latest photos below:

Gary Mullen and The Works

Blood Everywhere
Photos by Reef

Ciaran McMeeken
Katchafire
Kora
L.A.B. (Kora Bros)
Photos by Steve

Decades
Bakers Eddy
Skinny Hobos
Dead Favours
Mermaidens
Earth Tongue
Koizilla
Summer Thieves
Hot Donnas
Vices
The Van Grafs
Tongue Tied
Photos by Adam

Estere
Photos by David

Graham Brazier Album Launch
Photos by Grant

Slaves
Awaken I Am
Animal Party
Ekko Park
Setting Fire To Stacey
Silence The City
Written by Wolves
Armed In Advance
Skinny Hobos
Dead Favours
Quinn The Human
Dead Beat Boys
Coridian
In Hearts Wake & Northlane
Stone Sour
Photos by Chris M

Julie Lamb Band
Photos by Corinne

Mermaidens
Alae
Photos by Neil

Kehlani
Christopher Cross
Rikki Morris
Photos by Chris Z

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All of our photo galleries can all be viewed here.
Some of our photographers also take professional promo photos.
Email [email protected] if you would like us to photograph you.

Tour Features

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All muzic.net.nz tour features can be viewed here
Email team@muzic.net.nz if you would like us to create a tour feature for you.

• 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

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