Bio

Dejusa is a culmination of all things musical. Veritable sponges for inspiration, their musical influences stem from sources far and wide - from epic Bollywood movie scores to BBC news stories. The end result is an ecclectic mix of electronica, live dub, drum'n'bass and jazz, that would bring a smile to anyone's face and a serious swing to their step.

It all began for Dejusa in Tardus Studios in 2000, as a studio-based project for composer Andrew Vaughan and engineer Matt Milham. They were joined by keys man Jonny Pilkington and drummer Anthony Ganley to facilitate their first live performance at the Gathering 2001. Debbie Toko and her golden voice joined the band at the beginning of 2002 and with the recent addition of Conrad Perera on congas, the groups sound has evolved into the symphony of sexy stylings that is gaining fans and reputation daily.

Dejusa blurs the line between beats and band - there is a strong electronic element to the music - but the dynamic live show busts down any preconceptions of electronica comprising of a DJ hunched over turntables.

An organic concept - Dejusa's original name, Transducer, describes the bands interest in changing states and forms of energy, and the new name reflects a continuing focus on deduction, the process of discovery and most of all, an unorthodox approach to almost everything!

In December 2001, Dejusa released two tracks on the Tardus Music compilation Moniker and both tracks enjoyed both ample airplay and critical acclaim across the b-net.

Here Comes the Five-0, the first single from the album Buy The Numbers peaked at number two on the national alternative charts in August 2002.

The second single 3/33 Humanize stayed in the bFM top ten for over two months, and has been in the alternative Top 30 for a whopping 16 weeks.

The third single to hit the airways, EVAC featured guest vocals from label mate Damian Vaughan (Paradigm) and coincided with the album release in March 2003.

The debut album Buy the Numbers features tracks recorded at the Lab, with engineer Tom Miskin and was mastered by Chris Chetland from Kog Transmissions. It was released at the end of March by Tardus Music, and is distributed through Kog/Universal.

2004 has seen Dejusa playing gigs all over the country, with a number of respected artists and bands - ranging from local jazz legends the Relaxomatic Project on a sunny afternoon at Leigh Sawmill, to Drum n Bass legends Shapeshifter at their return party at Galatos. They stepped up the pace for a packed summer schedule, playing the festival circuit, including the Soundsplash Reggae Ecofest in Raglan, the 95bFM Summer Series, as well as opening the first race of the America's Cup in Aotea Square.

Dejusa supported the John Butler Trio at the Kings Arms, stormed the True Colours concert in Auckland's St James Theatre, opened Christchurch's RDU Music Week at the Dux de Lux and almost worked themselves to exhaustion playing a record 12 gigs in May (New Zealand Music Month). They have appeared on television twice (Space TV and the Good Morning Show), and their heavy live schedule has earned them the reputation of the hardest working band in Auckland.

Band Members:
Andrew Vaughan (vocals, guitar)
Matt Milham (bass)
Debbie Toko (vocals)
Anthony Ganley (drums)
Jonny Pilkington (synths)
Conrad Perera (conga)