Bio

Hoodaki are a 3-piece Indie/Rock/Pop/Alternative band from the deep south of New Zealand. They have a bit of a British twist with a dash of Dunedin sound thrown in. Originally a covers band that played the occasional original, they have morphed into an originals band that plays the occasional twisted cover.

"A delectable blend of tight, frenetic, punky Britpop, sprinkled generously with melodies and harmonies that linger"

"Melodic, edgy guitar driven, radio friendly rock pop"

"NZ Talking Heads'"

"Part of the charm is their age....they don't want to change the world, they just want to have fun playing music"

Formed way back in 2008 with the short lived line-up of Jago Byatt, Simon Richardson and Matt Wood, Hoodaki only really got into gear once Paul Burrows was cornered in a snowcave and convinced that he should play bass. They started drinking beer and learning covers. Each time they played an open mic night they wanted to play something new. They quickly built up a big enough set to accept the odd paid gig....... culminating in a gig at Sky City in Auckland!

All the while they kept on learning some of Jago's old and new songs. Some were rejects from his 90's Manchester band and others brand new. An early taste of recording in the studio with SIT student Graeme Woller (Into The East) at the controls resulted in the 4 track Hoodaki EP containing the popular I Love My Bed, which had previously been recorded in England by Blunderbuss (another Byatt band).

A 2nd opportunity to record with another student proved less fruitful, but this was the catalyst that brought Hoodaki and Hayden Budd of Little Fire together. Over the course of 3 or so years they recorded 12 more originals together.

The transition from covers to originals band was complete when they supported Rosina & The Weavers last year. The icing on the cake came in 2024 when Hoodaki received 2 awards at the Southland music awards, winning best band and song of the year with John The Dog!!! Brendan played drums that night and felt guilty that he'd received an award having only just replaced Simon.

The steady line up of Jago on guitar/vocals, Paul on bass/vocals and Simon on drums/vocals changed a year or so ago. Wanderlust took Simon away on merry adventures. 4 songs were recorded in his absence; 3 with Matt Ward and 1 with Brendan Monaghan. On his return Simon announced that he would be leaving the band to continue his adventures. As a last hurrah, the original line up recorded the aptly named Road Trip.

Brendan has now taken on the drums/vocals job. His first recording, (Under a Simpsons Sky) was meant as a nice ending to his year helping the band out. Once Simon decided his departure was longer term, Jago and Paul didn't waste too much time before asking the big man to join. Magictricity, was recorded at SIT with Brendan on drums and Charlie Rogers (L.A.B) at the controls. More recording is planned.

Jago continues to write.....

Band Members:
Jago (guitar, lead vocals, songwriting)
Paul (bass, backing vocals)
Brendan (drums, backing vocals)

Links

• Facebook Page
• Instagram Page
• Bandcamp Page
• Spotify Page
• Apple Music Page