Ishtar is a band moniker for Transgendered Guitar Goddess Simone Whitlow’s musical outlet over the last decade. A Hard Rock group based out of Auckland, Ishtar is Musically cinematic, mixing stadium-esque riffs, big hooks and often disparate elements into their songwriting style. Ishtar’s music draws comparisons to bands like Led Zeppelin, Queen, Van Halen, Kansas, Styx, Iron Maiden, Nightwish and Dream Theater, to name a few.
Ishtar have had numerous highlights including playing to a packed out Aotea Square during New Years & releasing 2 EPs (South of Sanity (2006) and the internet only release Ambigram (2007). They scored airplay on numerous indie and student Rock stations across NZ, featured on a Tsunami charity CD 'Reconstruction' & filmed a yet to be released Video for their song 'South of Sanity'
The band has seen numerous incarnations. Mk 1, Featuring Simone (then Simon) on guitars also consisted of Angel & Johnny Walker (A Beautiful Chaos, vocals and drums) and Warren Keene on Bass. This incarnation was a proggy affair also with elements of Black Sabbath and hair metal. In Mk 3, Simone was joined by Mel Wright (vocals), Dave Cannon (drums) and Jamie Denton (bass) This version of the band forged the Ishtar sound and also recorded the bulk of Ishtar’s material. Collaborative and still heavy but a more commercial, rock orientated approach, the band crossed the line from Metal to Rock, while also indulging their musicality beyond that typical of Rock bands of the day. In 2007, just prior to folding Ishtar Mk3 (at this point Mel, Dave, Simone and bassist Matt Farley) filmed a video for their song ‘South Of Sanity’ since disregarded due to the fact Simone featured on it while still ‘Simon’.
In 2007, with Mel Wright having left to concentrate on her studies & Dave Cannon due to fly out to the UK Ishtar booked into the Rock Factory for a quick live recording session. In what came to be known as the Cardenio Sessions (with vocalist Lou Theobald in Mel’s place) Ishtar recorded a dozen live tracks, walking away with the finished product the same day.
Following the break up of Mk3 Simone took time out to transition.
The latest incarnation started off with Simone (now very much the Transgendered guitar goddess) collaborating with Lou Theobald on unplugged versions of Ishtar’s songs. This soon became a full band with Jamie Denton re-joining on bass. The lineup was complete with legendary drummer Greg Page. Ishtar Mark 4 contained all the elements of MK3 but showed more versatility, performing unplugged sets also featuring Simone on mandolin. This time also saw a leaning towards bands like Muse, Black Album era Metallica and, a growing 60’s Rock and Roll and R&B influence. With 2 part harmonies added the material took on an extra dimension live, at times Simone and Lou working as co-vocalists on songs. Ishtar Mk 4 split amid acrimony among the band members.
The band is currently in down time though Simone is currently performing unplugged as 'Simone_Ishtar and hopes to have a full band lineup ready to go in 2012.
Band Members:
Simone Whitlow (guitar, vocals, mandolin, piano)
INTERVIEW: Ishtar Newsletter Interview Submitted by Shade |
31 Jul 2011 |
REVIEW: New EP! South of Sanity Submitted by johnsoncraigsbc |
1 Oct 2006 |
REVIEW: Review in Missing Link- Feb 2006 Submitted by simone_ishtar |
22 Mar 2006 |
INTERVIEW: Ishtar Newsletter Interview Submitted by Shade |
4 Sep 2005 |
REVIEW: The Enemy Within Submitted by simone_ishtar |
7 May 2005 |
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simone_ishtar
![]() Joined: 07/09/04 Posts: 201 Location: Auckland View Profile |
Unplugged @ Diablo singer/songwriter comp this Tues 25/09. Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 9:24 am Mel and I doing an unplugged set as part of the annual Diablo Singer/Songwriter competition. Diablo, 43 Ponsonby Road. Don't miss this gig cause its only once in a blue moon we get to do unplugged shows and with Matt back soon will be back on the full band, plugged in circuit... NO DOOR CHARGE ... Would post links thru to the competitors myspaces but only three of em appear to have myspaces and they're personal, not band pages. (yes thats right 3 competitors- 7 acts on that night- the beauty of gigging without drummers - very quick changeovers) ![]() Doors open 8.30pm. http://openmic.co.nz/competitions.php http://www.myspace.com/ishtarband |
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simone_ishtar
![]() Joined: 07/09/04 Posts: 201 Location: Auckland View Profile |
14/06 Axces Bar Hamilton. Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 10:16 am Thurs 14 June, Axces Bar, Alexandra St Hamilton. ISHTAR LAPSER 8 BALL RATTLE DAY 3 http://www.myspace.com/ishtarband http://www.myspace.com/lapsermusic http://www.myspace.com/8ballrattle http://www.myspace.com/day3band |
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simone_ishtar
![]() Joined: 07/09/04 Posts: 201 Location: Auckland View Profile |
Masonic Tavern 25/05 Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 10:11 am This Friday 25th May.. The Masonic Tavern, 29 King Edward Parade, Devonport. Ishtar, The Cigarette Widows. Door Charge, yet to be confirmed but usually only $5 or $7. 9pm start.. |
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simone_ishtar
![]() Joined: 07/09/04 Posts: 201 Location: Auckland View Profile |
Update... Posted: Sun May 6, 2007 11:05 am Well past time for one but anyway... We're back gigging very soon as a full band with a gig @ The Masonic 25 May. Other acts on the bill The Cigarette Widows and one more (T.B.C) band. More info as it comes to hand as well as on some gigs for June and July... Finally we'll be hitting the Waikato SOON!! Also we're recording a 'Live, Unplugged in the studio' EP next week- Tentatively entitled 'Ambigram' it'll be available for download to only members of our "ISHTAR ARMY' myspace group as a giveaway. Long story short Mel and I did an unplugged set at Chloe from Puppet's going away party in March... It was supposed to be recorded but we think the engineer hit play instead of record or something ... we figured it'd be cool to recreate the gig as a giveaway but are also planning a few tracks with the whole band... Once up for download for a few weeks we'll 'Unhide' the page and make it available for people to listen only. Also check out the Muzic.net profile, just added some new pictures. http://www.myspace.com/ishtarband http://groups.myspace.com/ishtararmy ![]() This message was edited by simon_ishtar on Sun May 6, 2007 11:08 am. |
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simone_ishtar
![]() Joined: 07/09/04 Posts: 201 Location: Auckland View Profile |
Gig @ Studio 18 November.. Posted: Wed Nov 8, 2006 10:11 am The Cigarette Widows (Aka Mantissa) Svelte Ishtar Sonic Altar Zspine The Studio 340 K rd, Auckland. Saturday 18 November. Doors open 8pm, $10 entry. R18 This message was edited by simon_ishtar on Thu Nov 16, 2006 3:31 pm. |
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simone_ishtar
![]() Joined: 07/09/04 Posts: 201 Location: Auckland View Profile |
Win.... Posted: Mon Oct 9, 2006 2:02 pm A copy of our EP here... http://www.muzic.net.nz/index.php?area=competition and Check out JohnsonCraigsbc's kick arse review of South of Sanity here! http://www.muzic.net.nz/artists/1401/readreview/25333.html |
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simone_ishtar
![]() Joined: 07/09/04 Posts: 201 Location: Auckland View Profile |
Pink Ribbon day fundraiser 6 October. Posted: Mon Oct 2, 2006 9:13 am Hey everyone, Gig@ Hysteria, 262 K Rd. 6 October, doors open 9pm. Naquadah Ishtar Zspine & Slipping Tongue PinkRibbon (breast cancer awareness) day fundraiser. $5 on door. We understand there will be pink ribbon day merch on the door (am guessing ribbons?), the money from the sale of the ribbons etc will go to the pink ribbon day charity. We're also donating our cut of the door take to the charity. |
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simone_ishtar
![]() Joined: 07/09/04 Posts: 201 Location: Auckland View Profile |
EP available on Amplifier Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 10:28 am the 'South of Sanity' 6 song extended EP is now downloadable at www.amplifier.co.nz for NZ$10.95. It will also soon be available as a physical copy from Amplifier. Buy now.... from the band or @ www.amplifier.co.nz/release/24401/south_of_sanity.html |
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simone_ishtar
![]() Joined: 07/09/04 Posts: 201 Location: Auckland View Profile |
Gig @ Masonic 23/09 Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2006 9:34 am Alpine Fault, Ishtar, Puppet, VeTo The Masonic Tavern, 29 King Edward Parade, Devonport- Auckland. Show starts 9pm. $7 on Door. |
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simone_ishtar
![]() Joined: 07/09/04 Posts: 201 Location: Auckland View Profile |
Gig @ Shadows 5th August Posted: Fri Jul 28, 2006 10:10 pm Last minute addition, 5th August @ Shadows, University of Auckland Alabaster Theatre Goodbye Galaxy Sonic Altar & Ishtar doors open 8pm. I think it is $5 entry though even at $10 its still great value for money... How often are two great Wellington bands up in Auckland? |
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simone_ishtar
![]() Joined: 07/09/04 Posts: 201 Location: Auckland View Profile |
19th AUGUST The EP Release. Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 3:44 pm The EP is mixed and mastered, we're dropping it off this week to be reproduced.............. The Ishtar 'South of Sanity' EP Launch. Saturday August 19th ![]() ![]() ![]() SHADOWS BAR UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND $10 General Admission $5 AUT and B Card Auckland University Students: Free R18 so Bring ID, even if you look real old cause I get asked and look over 18. This message was edited by simon_ishtar on Mon Jul 24, 2006 3:45 pm. |
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simone_ishtar
![]() Joined: 07/09/04 Posts: 201 Location: Auckland View Profile |
Hey everyone.......... random stuff Posted: Mon Jul 3, 2006 12:57 pm Sorry to anyone on the forum I might have been chatting with last time I was here, am aware I've cut out of a few forum threads in a few sites recently. Generally a combination of flu (4 weeks and counting) a very cold study at home and just coming home from work and mostly sleeping a lot. Thought I should drop by just to let people know we haven't disappeared entirely and update some stuff. The EP is currently waiting to be mixed and mastered. We laid down the final tracks a few weeks back. Generally it is sounding real good if I can say that about my own band? I reckon I've butchered one of the solos cause I just couldn't get into the headspace of the song, couldn't hear what it was trying to tell me it needed , if that kinda makes sense... decided it was ok to go out anyway. Other than that alls cool. 'Temple of Ishtar' is sounding suitably epic and its cool listening to the rough mixes and comparing how different Mel sounds from one song to the next. Huge thanks to Andrew for getting the bass done before he took off. Been working with Jamie, our new bassist. He's picking up the songs really quickly. we're all loving having him back in the band. We've picked up a new manager and are hoping to have some announcement about something soon. something at the moment we wanna keep real secret..................... And speaking of secret.............................. AUGUST 19, we've got something happening. Still some details pending so no official announcement yet... However keep the evening free if you are in Auckland. |
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simone_ishtar
![]() Joined: 07/09/04 Posts: 201 Location: Auckland View Profile |
PR BAR 20 May Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 1:37 pm Saturday May 20th. PR Bar Corner of Ponsonby and Great North Rds Viracosha's Final NZ gig before they head off to Melbourne Viracosha Ishtar The Halloweens $0 Entry, absolutely free. approx 8.30 start. |
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simone_ishtar
![]() Joined: 07/09/04 Posts: 201 Location: Auckland View Profile |
New Songs on Myspace Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 1:44 am We've just uploaded a new song, Pendle Hill, up on our myspace page, http://www.myspace.com/ishtarband We're putting it up in advance of the six song EP we're currently working on, which hopefully will be ready for release June 06. We've also put up the full length version of 'Plea'. Go check it out, please feel free to comment etc http://www.myspace.com/ishtarband http://www.ishtar.muzic.net.nz. |
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simone_ishtar
![]() Joined: 07/09/04 Posts: 201 Location: Auckland View Profile |
Wednesday 12 April Posted: Fri Apr 7, 2006 9:50 am St James Grand Circle, entrance from Lorne street, by Library- Auckland Central. Ishtar The Siren Junkies The Bu B's & Bad Hair day. $5 entry or $10 and get a cd. Gig courtesy of the Indie Club www.powertoolrecords.co.nz www.ishtar.muzic.net.nz www.sirenjunkies.com |
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simone_ishtar
![]() Joined: 07/09/04 Posts: 201 Location: Auckland View Profile |
Gigs for March Posted: Wed Mar 15, 2006 2:31 pm 2 Gigs Coming Up! Saturday 25th March. ADR Management presents... "Bands With Chicks" Ishtar Amperzahn Puppet. Shadows, University of Auckland- Symonds Street Doors open 9pm. $10 at door, $5 AUT and B Card holders Free for Auckland Uni students. Wednesday 29th March. Intergalactic Live Presents.... Ishtar Rimu Alouyius Iridium The Kings Arms Tavern, 59 France Street, Newton. Doors open 8pm. $7 on door or $5 from bands on the latter email me if you have 3 mates interested in going.... will sell 4x tickets for $15. This message was edited by simon_ishtar on Wed Mar 15, 2006 2:32 pm. |
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Thomas J Cynic
![]() Joined: 14/02/05 Posts: 122 Location: Auckland View Profile |
Good to see Posted: Wed Mar 1, 2006 12:00 pm Ishtar have been busy but how about a gig soon? Haven't seen you on the net much recently Si? |
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Shade
muzic.net.nz Admin ![]() Joined: 17/07/02 Posts: 5069 Location: Manawatu View Profile |
Do you love Ishtar? Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2006 4:14 pm If you love Ishtar don't miss the next muzic.net.nz newsletter going out tomorrow (Sun 26 Feb 06)... Not only does the newsletter feature Ishtar, but Ishtar's own Simon Whitlow has written our first-ever guest editorial! You can sign up to receive the newsletter through the members menu after you have logged in. |
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simone_ishtar
![]() Joined: 07/09/04 Posts: 201 Location: Auckland View Profile |
In this months issue of Missing Link.... Posted: Wed Feb 1, 2006 1:36 pm Check out the february (vol 3) issue of Missing link, not just cause it is a cool magazine (its aim: to make this magazine the missing link between the band, the labels, and rock fans by providing the most informative rock resource in New Zealand.- Definitely a cool thing) but cause they are reviewing The Enemy Within, something we're stoked about! http://www.missing-link.co.nz This message was edited by simon_ishtar on Wed Feb 1, 2006 1:43 pm. |
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simone_ishtar
![]() Joined: 07/09/04 Posts: 201 Location: Auckland View Profile |
The Enemy Within on The Axe Attack This Sunday! Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 8:30 am This Sunday from 8pm. If in Auckland tune in to the rock on 90.2FM, if not check out frequency at www.therock.net.nz Thanks to the Axeman Paul Martin. www.theaxeattack.com |
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