Farmer Pimp - Back on the tractor
Posted: Wed Oct 8, 2008 3:34 pm

---

Adding the last touches of spice and a little sweetener to the mix, Auckland band Farmer Pimp have emerged from a writing and recording hiatus that sees them getting ready to present their finest material yet with their debut LP Sweet Hot Pepper Pop projected for release March 2009.

Locally loved and applauded for their dynamic live shows, and unique and innovative blending of musical genres, Farmer Pimp are incredibly excited about the coming album and looking forward to getting out on the live circuit again.

Formed at music school four years ago, Farmer Pimp is the creative partnership of Mark Michel and Claire Holmes (songwriter/producer and songwriter/singer respectively), with band support from prominent local musicians J.P Muir (synths and keys), Mahuia Bridgeman-Cooper (violin) and Ant Druff (drums).

Drawing comparisons with the sparse layered beats of Portishead, Farmer Pimp cite their influences as everything from dixie jazz, to hip hop, metal to classical, mixing old school with the new to create uniquely beautiful music.

Nominated for ‘Most Promising New Act’ at the B-Net Awards 2005, Farmer Pimp released their debut EP, ‘Good Thing’ in 2006, receiving strong alternative radio support, with two songs ‘Good Thing’ and ‘The Little Death’ enjoying top 10 slots on the national Alt Charts, BFM Top 10, and Radio Active Top 10, as well as inclusion on the Loop Recordings (Good Thing – Loop #5). Farmer Pimp then released their third single ‘Celebrate’ in conjunction with a video early 2007.

This was supported by live shows in Auckland, a successful Orientation tour and New Years gigs in ’06 and ’07.

A sonic mash-up where songs ranged from pop music to darker, more mechanically raw tunes, ‘Good Thing’ put Farmer Pimp on the local radar and garnered an enthusiastic following.

Now two years on, Farmer Pimp are returning with a new brand of eclecticism.

Sweet Hot Pepper Pop is already looking to be a dazzler, with the album’s demo ‘El Roboto’ shooting straight into the top 20 of the national Alt Charts and their first single predicted for a November release.

Also on the horizon is the video for ‘El Roboto’, with award-winning director Sam Peacocke coming on board to make the clip.

Mark Michel says of the collaboration, “we are really stoked to be working with Sam again. He made our first video ‘Celebrate’ (2007) and did a wicked job. Can’t wait to see what we come up with this time!”

Fresh out of the studio, Farmer Pimp will kick-start their engine with a headlining set as part of the Goodstock Festival at the Kings Arms this Saturday.

GOODSTOCK FESTIVAL: OCT 11 KINGS ARMS TAVERN

An AQUARIAN EXPOSITION: $10 (Doors 8.30pm)
FARMER PIMP
DJ Tanner. EagleFox. Damage Tones. Visuals

For more info on Farmer Pimp check out www.myspace.com/farmerpimp.
EP available to purchase on www.amplifier.co.nz