Bio

SandHog originated on May 3rd 1997, when Karam Meuli, Andy Wilson and Grant Daish all met together at a Wash concert in New Plymouth. With similar goals and visions, they clicked from the start.

SandHog played at various youth events, private functions, and surf camps mostly in and around Taranaki. SandHog started off with a Rock-Punk type of style, which evolved with the introduction of Steve Sheath, electric guitarist.

Now having 2 guitarists, a bass player and a drummer, Karam decided to use an acoustic guitar, in-place of his electric guitar. He also had the choice of not playing at all and focusing on the singing/entertaining side of our performance.

During this time, the band decided to move to Auckland as opportunities, in New Plymouth, were limited. The decision paid off. The band entered into Battle of the Bands 1999 to see how there musical ability compared to others in Auckland. Through hard work and critical analysis of performances, SandHog made it's way to the semi-finals at the PowerStation, and then on the finals at the same venue. Out of the ninety-six bands that had entered the competition, SandHog had made it into the top four. Although not winning the competition, Karam picked up two top awards, 'Best Vocalist' and 'Most Passionate Performer'.

Following the finals at the PowerStation, SandHog went into a recording studio. SandHog recorded four original songs, 'Questions', 'Ain't The Way', 'Crazy World' and 'Words To Flesh'. These songs, recorded at Montage Studios, along with Wench, recorded at Avondale Studios, were compiled onto their demo CD, 'Away'. Sounds Music Stores offered to stock the CD on their behalf. Through this contact, one of their songs, 'Crazy World', was put on the New Zealand band compilation album, 'Homegrown'. Sounds and an Auckland radio station, Channel Z, on which 'Crazy World' had some airplay, compiled the CD.

The production team from Mai Time, a New Zealand TV show, was also impressed with this song, having heard it on the 'Homegrown' CD. They asked them to perform 'Crazy World' "live" for their show. This was shown on national TV on Channel 2.

Currently SandHog is performing all around Auckland, playing both originals and covers, in order to save up for the next recording. People are constantly expressing interest in the band. For an example, Karam, SandHog's lead singer, is currently supported by Shure microphones.

Band Members:
Karam Meuli (guitar, vocals)
Andy Wilson (bass)
Grant Daish (drums)
Steve Sheath (guitar)